Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is an alternative hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) source that can ameliorate several diseases through transplantation. The purpose of this project is to analyze clinical studies comparing HSCs from a single cord blood unit (CBU) to HSCs from bone marrow, and to explore methods of increasing limited amounts of HSCs. It was found that UCB transplantation in adults is a viable method when a matched bone marrow transplant cannot be identified. Further clinical studies using two CBUs suggest better engraftment and lower risk of relapse. However, double cord blood transplantation has been faced with the challenge of single unit dominance in most studies. Ex vivo expansion of UCB HSCs is another promising method to overcome limited HSC counts.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Najem, Mortada Salman
• Minn, Kyaw Thu

Subject

• Well-Being
• Health
• Innovation

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-030111-215533

Keyword

• Stem cells

Advisor

• Shivkumar, Satya

Year

• 2011

Date created

• 2011-03-01

Resource type

• Interactive Qualifying Project

Rights statement

• In Copyright