Singapore will soon have its first public cord blood bank. The facility, which will seek international accreditation, will serve as a life-saving resource to benefit the nation's diverse ethnic population. This move addresses an increasing need and marks an important milestone for medical science in Singapore.
Medical Applications
Blood stem cell transplants offer a potential hope of cure for a number of life-threatening cancers, auto immune disorders and blood diseases. Cord blood is currently being used to treat malignant diseases such as Leukemia, Lymphoma and numerous other types of cancer. It is also being used to treat non-malignant diseases such as Severe Aplastic Anaemia (when blood is dangerously deficient in healthy red blood cells), Thalassemia (a blood condition that interferes with haemoglobin production), and systemic sclerosis (a chronic auto immune disorder that can affect vital internal organs).
While these are known diseases that cord blood is being used to treat, stem cell transplants have been identified as a promising area for further clinical development. Medical professionals worldwide are optimistic of the future treatment possibilities as ongoing research has shown stem cells' growing potential to treat a host of other diseases.
Although bone marrow is also a source of blood stem cells, many patients whose only hope is a stem cell transplant, are unable to find suitably matched bone marrow donors. Cord blood transplants save patients critical time as cord blood is available more quickly and does not require as strict a genetic match as bone marrow. This increases their chance of securing a match and finding a cure for their life-threatening disorder.
Blood stem cell transplants work in a number of ways; to replace defective blood stem cells, help patients quickly regain immunity after chemotherapy and directly attack cancer cells. The mission of the Singapore Cord Blood Bank (SCBB) is to provide a ready source of cord blood to facilitate blood stem cell transplants. This will be accessible to anyone who requires a match.
Background
Singapore General Hospital has built technical expertise and a reputable track record performing stem cell transplants. The idea to set up a cord blood bank was originally mooted in 1995 and a 1000-unit Cord Blood Bank was set up in 1997 under the auspices of the Bone Marrow Donor Program. Plans to establish the SCBB gained momentum in 2002. SingHealth has already established the groundwork in this endeavour. The National Healthcare Group (NHG) will be working with SingHealth on this project. SingHealth welcomes NHG's participation and contribution, as this is a project worthy of our collaborative efforts. Other stakeholders are also considering joining the project.
Funding and Administration
The SCBB will be set up in incremental phases. The bank hopes to begin with a collection of 1,000 cord blood units (CBUs) and eventually increase the size as developmental milestones are reached and funds are raised.
Fund-raising efforts are currently underway to raise $5million, which is the cost of achieving the first phase of 1,000 banked units. The total cost of the project is estimated at $15million. It is hoped that the SCBB will be underwritten, in part, through generous contributions from donors who support this worthy life-giving cause.
The role of KK Women's and Children's Hospital
Singapore's largest obstetrics and paediatrics institution KK Women's and Children's Hospital, which registers an average of 15,000 births a year (40% of national annual birth rate), will be the main source of cord blood. Mothers can opt to give the "gift of life" by choosing to donate cord blood of their newborns. This is done through a completely safe and painless procedure after delivery. The internationally accredited SCBB will follow the highest standards of collection, processing and storage. This will assure both donors and potential recipients that strict codes of ethics and hygiene are adhered to so neither party is put at risk.
About SingHealth
SingHealth is the largest provider of acute healthcare in Singapore, made up of 3 Hospitals, 4 National Specialist Centres and a network of 8 polyclinics. We are dedicated to providing quality healthcare that is affordable and accessible to our patients.
At SingHealth, we are inspired by our shared values of Clinical Excellence,
Commitment and Collaboration to provide Genuine Care to all our patients.
Members of the SingHealth group:
Hospitals
Changi General Hospital, KK Women's and Children's Hospital and Singapore General Hospital
National Specialist Centres
National Cancer Centre, National Dental Centre, National Heart Centre and Singapore National Eye Centre
SingHealth Polyclinics
Bedok, Bukit Merah, Geylang, Marine Parade, Outram, Pasir Ris, Queenstown and Tampines
For more information, please contact:
Ms Amelia Champion
Asst Director, Corp Comms
SingHealth
DID: 6557 4912
amelia.champion@singhealth.com.sg
Ms Tina Nambiar
Asst Manager, Corp Comms
SingHealth
DID: 6557 4949
tina.nambiar@singhealth.com.sg