Umbilical cord blood contains hematopoietic stem cells useful for treating blood disorders. Its immunologic naivety lowers rejection and GVHD risk. Limited cell dose historically favored children, but ex vivo expansion and double-unit strategies have expanded adult use. Public banking improves access; non-hematologic uses remain experimental.
Cord blood remains a practical stem cell source for many blood and immune disorders. It's faster to obtain than many adult donors and causes less chronic GVHD, but single units may lack enough cells for adults - leading to double-unit grafts and ex vivo expansion strategies.
Cord blood, rich in blood-forming stem cells, treats cancers and inherited disorders. Limited cell dose historically favored pediatric use, but ex vivo expansion methods are improving outcomes for adults.