Printed from: https://archive.cmf.org.uk/news/?id=161
For two years CMF has advocated the collection of umbilical cord blood as a source for stem cells. It is ethically uncontroversial and relatively easy to perform. In an exciting development, stem cells from umbilical cord blood have again been demonstrated in humans to have real therapeutic promise.
A new scientific technique promises to make umbilical cord stem cells available in much larger numbers, by manipulating a 'signalling pathway' in the stem cells to trigger an increase in numbers without them losing their stem cell status. This may eventually remove the need for matched bone marrow transplants in diseases such as leukaemia, where difficulties with obtaining matching donor material are well recognised.
According to the BBC report, the chief executive of the well known Anthony Nolan Trust said the potential for umbilical cord blood was 'huge' and that the charity had already imported well over 250 units of umbilical cord blood. He added: 'Sadly in the UK, despite our scientific expertise, umbilical cord blood is still very much an untapped resource and we are only able to collect and store a tiny amount of the cords we need.
'We really need a properly resourced UK cord blood collection programme.
'Further investment is crucial if we are to capitalise on this amazing resource and save more lives.'
For more detail see Peter Saunders' personal blog
Steven Fouch (CMF Head of Communications) 020 7234 9668
Alistair Thompson on 07970 162 225
Christian Medical Fellowship (CMF) was founded in 1949 and is an interdenominational organisation with over 5,000 doctors, 900medical and nursing students and 300 nurses and midwives as members in all branches of medicine, nursing and midwifery. A registered charity, it is linked to over 100 similar bodies in other countries throughout the world.
CMF exists to unite Christian healthcare professionals to pursue the highest ethical standards in Christian and professional life and to increase faith in Christ and acceptance of his ethical teaching.
