Cord blood and bone marrow both originate from stem cells used in transplantation but are different from each other in some ways. Here are the key reasons one should go for a cord blood transplant rather than a bone marrow transplant.

• Easy to collect

The ease of collection in the case of cord blood makes it a better option than bone marrow firstly. The cord blood is collected from the umbilical cord right after birth. The process is easy, involves no pain, and is non-invasive. On the other hand, bone marrow donation involves undergoing surgical procedures with general anaesthesia, which is uncomfortable and may cause further risk.

• Ready to use

The cord blood collection is stored at a very low temperature in cold blood storage units and is available to use with ease whenever one requires it. While a bone marrow transplant requires a compatible donor willing to donate, undergo surgical processes, and recover from anaesthesia and surgery.

• Less risk of complications

Graft vs Host Disease (GVHD) is patients’ most common post-transplant complication. It occurs when the immune cell from the donor attacks the recipient cell. 60% of bone marrow patients have developed GVHD, while around 10% of cord blood transplants have experienced complications of GVHD.

• Better efficiency

Stem cells are superior to bone marrow cells based on rejection, contamination, and infection. They have an improved ability than bone marrow in replacing damaged cells.

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