Understanding Stem Cell Preservation: Benefits, Process, and Cost

Thinking about the future often means thinking about health, both our own and our loved ones. Stem cell preservation is one way families are choosing to prepare, using today’s science to help protect tomorrow’s well-being. These powerful cells have the potential to treat more than 80 diseases, including certain cancers and blood disorders, and researchers continue to uncover new possibilities every year.

Still, many people wonder: what does the process actually involve, what benefits does it truly offer, and how much does it cost? This guide will walk you through the essentials of stem cell preservation to help you decide whether it may be the right choice for your family.

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What Are Stem Cells?

Stem cells are often called the body’s “master cells” because of their unique ability to develop into many different types of specialised cells. Unlike most cells in the body, which have a fixed role (for example, red blood cells carry oxygen and muscle cells enable movement), stem cells are unspecialised. This means they can both renew themselves through cell division and differentiate into other cell types when needed.

Two main properties make stem cells important:

• Self-renewal – the ability to divide and produce more stem cells.
• Differentiation – the ability to turn into specialised cells, such as blood, nerve, muscle, or bone cells.

No other cells in the body naturally possess this dual ability.

Stem cells are found in almost every tissue of the body. With their ability to regenerate and repair, they play a vital role in medicine. Today, they are already used to treat conditions such as leukaemia, lymphoma, sickle cell anaemia, and certain immune disorders.

Researchers are also exploring how stem cells might one day be used to repair damage caused by spinal cord injuries, heart disease, diabetes, orthopaedic and haematological conditions, as well as neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Sources of Stem Cells

Stem cells can come from several sources, each with different possible uses in medicine:

• Embryonic Stem Cells (ESCs):

Embryonic stem cells are collected from very early embryos that are 3 to 5 days old, at the blastocyst stage, which has about 150 cells. They are pluripotent, meaning they can develop into almost any type of cell in the body. Because of this, they may be used to replace or repair tissues and organs damaged by disease. However, their use is restricted in many countries due to ethical concerns.

• Adult (or Somatic) Stem Cells:

Found in tissues such as bone marrow, blood, skin, and fat, adult stem cells are multipotent, meaning they can develop into a limited range of cell types related to their tissue of origin. For example, hematopoietic stem cells in bone marrow can form all types of blood cells. These cells are commonly used in bone marrow transplants to treat blood cancers and immune disorders.

• Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs):

These are adult cells that scientists reprogram in the lab to function like embryonic stem cells. They provide pluripotency without the ethical concerns and are considered valuable for research and potential personalised therapies.

• Perinatal Stem Cells:

These stem cells are found in umbilical cord blood, cord tissue, placenta, and amniotic fluid. They are rich in hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells and can be collected safely at birth for possible future treatments.

• Fetal Stem Cells (less common):

These are found in a developing fetus and can be collected from blood, bone marrow, liver, and kidney. Fetal blood contains hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which help form and support blood cells. They are considered less ethically sensitive than embryonic stem cells and hold promise for future therapies, transplantation, and gene therapy research.

What is Stem Cell Preservation?

Stem cell preservation is the process of collecting, processing, and storing stem cells so they can be used in medical treatments in the future. The most common method is cryopreservation, where cells are frozen at extremely low temperatures to stop all biological activity and keep them intact for later use.

Stem cells for preservation can come from various sources:

• Umbilical cord blood (at birth)
• Umbilical cord tissue (at birth)
• Bone marrow
• Peripheral blood
• Fat (adipose) tissue

Stored stem cells can later be used to treat cancers, blood disorders, immune problems, and other diseases. In simple terms, stem cell preservation works like a biological insurance policy, giving individuals and families the option of accessing life-saving treatments if the need arises in the future.

How Stem Cells Are Preserved

Step 1: Collection

Stem cells are obtained either from umbilical cord blood and tissue right after birth, or from other sources such as bone marrow, peripheral blood, or fat tissue.

Step 2: Processing

After collection, the sample is sent to a laboratory where stem cells are separated, counted, and tested for viability, as well as screened for infections. They are then washed and mixed with a cryoprotectant solution, usually dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), which protects them from damage during the freezing process.

Step 3: Cryopreservation

The stem cells are then cooled gradually to around -80°C in a controlled process that prevents damage. After this step, they are moved into liquid nitrogen at about -196°C, where they remain safely stored for long-term use.

Step 4: Storage

The frozen cells are stored in secure stem cell banks under strict monitoring, where they can remain viable for decades. The temperature is carefully maintained and continuously tracked to ensure their long-term preservation.

Step 5: Retrieval

When required, the cells are carefully thawed, retested, and prepared for use in medical treatments or therapies.

Types of Stem Cell Banks

Why Preserve Stem Cells

Below are some of the key benefits of stem cell preservation:

• Treatment for Serious Diseases

Preserved stem cells, particularly those from umbilical cord blood, are currently used in the treatment of more than 80 serious conditions, including cancers, blood disorders, immune deficiencies, and certain genetic diseases. They are also valuable in restoring immune function following chemotherapy.

• Personal Compatibility

Stem cells collected and stored from an individual are always a perfect genetic match for that person, reducing complications and ensuring immediate access if treatment becomes necessary.

• Possible Use for Family Members

Depending on the source, preserved stem cells may also be suitable for siblings or close relatives. In some cases, even a partial match can be clinically acceptable, depending on the type and number of cells available.

• Growing Medical Uses

Ongoing research and clinical trials continue to explore new therapeutic uses for stem cells, including in conditions such as cerebral palsy, autism, diabetes, heart disease, and regenerative therapies for tissue repair and recovery.

• Unique Advantages of Cord Blood Stem Cells

Cord blood stem cells are younger, more adaptable, and less immunologically experienced than adult stem cells. These qualities make them more versatile in transplantation and reduce the risk of complications such as graft-versus-host disease (a condition where transplanted cells attack the recipient).

• Long-Term Storage

When stored under controlled cryogenic conditions, stem cells can remain viable for decades. Evidence shows that samples preserved for more than 20 years retain their therapeutic potential, offering a durable and long-lasting resource.

• Flexibility in Storage Location

Families can choose between local or international storage options. Stem cell units can also be safely transported in frozen form, ensuring availability even if families relocate

How Long Does the Stem Cell Preservation Process Take?

The stem cell preservation process is quick and straightforward. Collection usually takes just a few minutes, while processing, testing, and freezing in the lab can take a few hours to a couple of days.

Pros and Cons of Stem Cell Preservation

Some of the major pros and cons of stem cell preservation:

Risks of Stem Cell Preservation

Now that you understand the uses of stem cell preservation, let’s consider the associated risks.

Stem cell preservation is generally safe, and the risks involved are minimal. Some possible risks include:

• Minor discomfort during collection (mainly from bone marrow or peripheral blood).
• Rare chance of contamination during processing.
• Possible technical failure in freezing or storage equipment.
• Risk of sample mislabeling or misidentification (rare with proper protocols).
• Slight chance of reduced cell viability if preservation protocols are not strictly followed.

Stem Cell Preservation Charges

The cost of preserving stem cells usually ranges from ₹50,000 to ₹1,00,000. Prices can vary depending on:

• The city and hospital where the procedure is done.
• The type of preservation facility and the equipment they use.
• How the stem cells are collected and stored.
• The experience and skill of the specialists handling the process.

READ: How To Choose The Best Maternity Hospital?

Conclusion

Stem cell preservation provides families with a way to safeguard their future health. By storing these powerful cells today, families may have access to treatments for serious diseases, support for relatives, and emerging therapies in the future. While the process involves some costs and potential risks, the long-term benefits make stem cell preservation a valuable option.

For those interested, Apollo Cradle offers stem cell banking (a specific method of stem cell preservation). At the hospital, cells are safely collected from the baby’s umbilical cord blood at birth and stored for future treatments for the baby as well as other family members.

The facility also offers a range of services for mothers and children, including prenatal screening such as Down syndrome testing, ultrasounds, gynaecological health checkups, and immunisations. To learn more, contact the experts today.