Umbilical cord blood cells are cells that remain in the placenta and its attached umbilical cord after the birth of a baby. This cord blood contains important stem cells that can be harvested for various medical uses, including the treatment of certain childhood cancers. Many conditions that would normally require the use of a bone marrow transplant could benefit greatly from the use of umbilical cord blood cells.

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the body's white blood cells, the cells responsible for protecting the body from disease. When a patient has leukemia, some of the white blood cells develop abnormally and then begin to quickly multiply. These abnormal cells are not capable of functioning properly and crowd the bone marrow, interfering with the body's ability to properly form other types of blood cells as well. Umbilical cord blood cells can be used to introduce healthy cells into the body, giving the patient a greater chance at recovery.

Lymphoma is another type of cancer that can be benefited by the use of umbilical cord blood cells. Lymphoma begins in the lymphatic system of the body. The lymphatic vessels are responsible for carrying various materials, including proteins, urea, and other other molecules, throughout the body. Lymphoma acts much like leukemia in the body, so using umbilical cord blood cells can often drastically improve the recovery odds from this type of cancer.

Other medical conditions in which the patient could benefit from being given umbilical cord blood cells include immune deficiencies as well as certain types of anemia. Medical research continues to study medical conditions that may be improved by the use of umbilical cord blood cells. Diabetes research suggests that there is promise concerning the use of these stem cells. Certain heart conditions are also being studied to determine whether they may benefit from these cells as well.

The stem cells gathered from the placenta and umbilical cord are being studied intensely by geneticists, or those who study genetic diseases. There are hopes that these fresh, healthy cells will be able to at least slow the progression of genetic diseases such as polycystic kidney disease. Research also suggests that conditions such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease may be slowed, or perhaps even eventually cured, by the use of these umbilical cord blood cells. Research continues as scientific studies reveal more and more potential opportunities for improving the quality of life for the many patients who may benefit from the use of umbilical cord blood cells.