Promise of umbilical stem cells limited by misunderstanding, inaccurate promotion

Umbilical stem cells, derived from the umbilical cord discarded after birth, have the potential to treat disease and save lives in certain conditions and are also considered to be more ethically viable than embryonic stem cells.

In the UAE, however, the promise of these cells has either been misunderstood or overstated, says Dubai-based pediatrician Dr. Michael Loubser. Dr. Loubser, Head of Pediatrics at the General Medical Clinic in Dubai, addressed the issue of umbilical stem cells today (Monday, January 29) at the 2nd Middle East Obs-Gyne Conference being held at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre.

"There is a little bit of awareness about umbilical stem cells here, but nobody has really explained its pros and cons," said Dr. Loubser, who spoke on: 'Umbilical Stem Cell Collection: Where they are used and what can they treat?' "At the minimum, contributing stem cells to international banks increases the genetic diversity available worldwide, which makes it easier for people of every ethnicity to find matches in emergencies."

Cord blood can also be stored for future personal and family use, but there are limitations to the diseases and the patient size they can treat. Compared to bone marrow transplants and peripheral blood stem cell transplants, the two most common sources of haemopoietic stem cells, umbilical stem cell units are less invasive to obtain and potentially more versatile, requiring slightly less rigorous matching. Their abundant availability - cords are traditionally discarded in the birthing process - also makes them a valuable resource.

According to the International Cord Blood Society, approximately 9,000 patients annually are diagnosed with diseases that can be treated with stem cells, and nearly 70 per cent of those are unable to find a match. Thus far, umbilical stem cells have been primarily used in the treatment of leukaemia and other cancers and immune system disorders, and scientists expect to be able to eventually use them to treat conditions including cardiac disease and diabetes.

Stem cells will also be discussed in two other forums on the second day of the Arab Health congress tomorrow (Tuesday, January 30). Dr. Susan Lim of the Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore will speak on adult stem cells and their application in tissue repair and regenerative medicine as part of the Middle East Laboratory Management and Medicine conference; and Dr. David Scadden, of the Harvard Medical School, will speak on "Stem Cells: Will they revolutionize medicine?" as part of the Advances in Healthcare program.

The three forums are among the 16 conferences scheduled for Arab Health 2007, and are accredited by the American Academy of Continuing Medical Education.

The Arab Health medical congress and exhibition is recognized as the largest and most important events in the global healthcare calendar, and is expected to draw 4,500 delegates, 30,000 visitors and 2,200 exhibiting companies.