Cord blood stem cells can differentiate into many types of cells in the body such as blood, nerve and muscle cells. They can repair or replace tissue and organs damaged in strokes and heart attacks. Many diseases and debilitating conditions have successfully been treated by cord blood stem cells.

Although cord blood stem cells is commonly used to treat childhood leukemia, it was only recently that adults with leukemia have been successfully treated with cord blood stem cells from unrelated donors. In 1995, Stephen Sprague was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML). Chemotherapy only managed to keep the cancer under control for 17 months. By April 1995, he was in the final stage of the disease. He partipated in a clinical trial to determine if sufficient amount of cord blood stem cells could be harvested for a successful transplation to an adult. In November 1997, he underwent a cord blood stem cell transplant and has been free of cancer for over 9 years.

A team of researchers in Korea claimed to have successfully transplanted cord blood stem cells into the spine of a 37-year old woman. The patient was paralyzed for 19 years after an accident. Stem cells from cord blood were injected into the damaged portion of her spine. She began walking assisted with a walker within three weeks of treatment, and is now able to walk well without assitance.

Cord blood stem cell transplant can potentially treat Krabbe Disease and other rare lysoman storage diseases. Krabbe disease occurs in infants, who can die within 2 years if not treated. Researchers from Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have made significat progress in the treatment of this disease. Their research shows that newborns who receive umbilical cord blood stem cell transplants while they are still asymptomatic have a much higher chance of survival than children who have already shown symptoms. It is crucial to detect the disease early enough to prevent loss of critical brain function.

Lymphoproliferative disease is a rare condition that affects the immune system, rendering the body unable to defend against common germs. Two siblings, Blayke and Garrett of Los Angeles, California were born with this disease. They underwent a cord blood stem cell transplant and are now able to live normal and healthy lives. This case proves that cord blood stem cells offer significant hope in treatment of Lymphoproliferative disease.

Thalassaemia is a blood disease in which the body produces deformed red blood cells. In the past, it could only be cured with a bone marrow transplant. Where no bone marrow match or donor is available, frequent blood transfusion is required. But now, cord blood transplant can be a viable treatment for Thalassaemia. On 3 July 2001, a 5-year old Malaysian Chinese boy with Thalassaemia Major was transplanted with stem cells from cord blood. Since then, he has been able to produce normal red blood cells and is cured of Thalassaemia Major.

Stem cell research has uncovered the vast potential of cord blood stem cells and the future of cord blood transplant looks promising. Many people suffering from rare diseases and debilitating injuries have been able to lead better quality lives following a cord blood stem cell transplant. More studies are being carried out on the application of stem cell therapies in treatment of Parkinson, multiple sclerosis, liver disease, diabetes, stroke, heart disease and kidney failure. Stem cells may eventually replace organ transplant, after researchers discovered that they could grow mini liver, bone and cartilage from cord blood stem cells.