| Why an Israeli public Cord Blood Bank? |
 |
|
| Donated stem cells must be of a tissue
type that closely matches that of the patient. Since tissue types
are genetically inherited, a compatible donor will most likely be
a relative or someone who shares the patient's ethnic background.
The under-representation of minorities in transplant registries worldwide
makes finding a compatible donor for minority groups much more difficult. |
|
| Israel's Jewish population significantly
changes the statistical odds of finding a genetic match for Jewish
patients. In fact, the chances of finding a genetically suitable cord-blood
match drop from 1 in 120,000 among the general population to 1 in
30,000 among the Jewish population. The same is true for other minorities
who live in Israel. |
|
| The exciting prospect is that by creating
an Israeli public Cord Blood Bank containing 30,000 units we will
ensure patients who belong to the diverse ethnic communities living
in Israel, and to others who share their ethnic background, access
to a stem cell transplant if the need arises. |
|
| Back to Facts
& Answers |
|
