About Us

Today, the use of cord blood
accounts for approximately 1 in
every 5 stem cell transplants
performed in the U.S.

CCBC: For a healthier Ohio...and beyond

The Cleveland Cord Blood Center's cord blood bank was established to meet Ohio's need for umbilical cord blood-derived stem cells for use in both transplants and research. Initially, cord blood will be collected at major birthing centers in Northeast Ohio, incorporating the area's ethnically diverse population. Preliminary discussions are also underway with hospitals in other regions of the state.

Serving all populations

Because the cord blood is drawn from an ethnically diverse population, this provides a quicker "off the shelf" cellular source that is well matched to the patient for medical treatment. The presence of a Northeast Ohio cord blood center will help enhance the region's ability to provide patients with suitable matched stem cells for treatment. Of particular significance is the fact that the center's more diverse donor pool will help enhance the number of suitable matches available for the area's African American, Latino and Asian populations.

The Cleveland Look Forward Program

Mothers who donate their babies' umbilical cords will be invited to participate in The Cleveland Look Forward Program. This important program will collect medical information that will contribute to lifesaving research.

Over the course of the first five years following a baby's birth and cord blood donation, mothers will be invited to take part in a short telephone interview to obtain follow-up information about the donating mothers' and their infants' health. Incidences of autism, leukemia and cancer in donating infants, as well as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes in the donating mothers will be obtained.

Using state-of-the-art research technology, the secure information will be used in studies designed to identify mothers and infants at-risk of disease, as well as to use that knowledge to develop possible interventions or diagnose the disease early before their clinical symptoms arise.

The Goodman Leukemia Research Institute

In conjunction with the work of CCBC, the Goodman Leukemia Research Institute will support new investigators in research laboratories who focus on the diagnosis and treatment of leukemia – with the ultimate goal of increased success in the treatment of leukemia patients, including, if needed, the transplantation of lifesaving cord blood-derived stem cells.

The growing importance

Today, the use of cord blood accounts for approximately 1 in every 5 stem cell transplants performed in the U.S. With a continued dedication to the eradication of leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, aplastic anemia, and other blood-related diseases, the CCBC, under Dr. Laughlin's leadership, will explore new, regenerative medicine therapies for diabetes, heart disease, stroke, Parkinson's disorder, Alzheimers, autoimmune deficiency diseases, and more.

Leadership

Mary J. Laughlin MD CCBC Founder and Medical Director
A global leader in cord blood transplants and research.

In 1993, Dr. Mary J. Laughlin performed the world's first successful umbilical cord blood transplant worldwide in an adult leukemia patient. Dr. Laughlin has gone on to become one of world's foremost experts in the area of cord blood stem cell transplants and research. She will assume the position of president of the International Society for Cellular Therapy in June 2008.

Affiliations

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, building on research at the Cleveland Clinic

Support

The Cleveland Cord Blood Center is supported by:

The Abraham J. and Phyllis Katz Foundation

The Dr. Donald J. and Ruth Weber Goodman Philanthropic Fund

Other Private Donations