Stem cells from umbilical cord blood as a source for future genetic and therapeutic uses in patients from IVF donation programs

Abstract Stem cells (SC) from umbilical cord blood (UCB) are now a new reliable alternative to treat different blood malignant diseases, especially in pediatric patients, if the samples are frozen at the moment of birth. This procedure is an easy and safe way to preserve genetic materials for future therapeutic uses. The technological advances promise new applications of SC, like genetic therapies and therapeutic cloning. The preservation of stem cells from umbilical cord blood is a particular indication in babies from IVF gametes, and embryo donation programs as a source to their own genetic material, for future therapeutic treatments. The purpose of this study was to study the characteristics of the SC of UCB from Mexican IVF centers that offer the SC cryopreservation service to the patients that undergo treatments with gametes and embryo donation programs as a source of SC, for future therapeutic treatments.