Rejuvenating Cord Blood: a shift in perspective from alternative to opportunity

During the annual EBMT Meeting in Madrid, a landmark joint session held under the auspices of two key Working Parties—Cellular Therapies & Immunobiology (CTIWP) and Pediatric Diseases (PDWP)—brought renewed attention to the evolving role of cord blood in transplantation. Gathering leading experts from across disciplines, the session set the stage for a forward-looking discussion on innovation, clinical practice, and the future potential of cord blood therapies.

This year’s EBMT Joint Session, bringing together the Cellular Therapies & Immunobiology Working Party (CTIWP), Pediatric Diseases Working Party (PDWP), Eurocord and the Cord Blood Association, clearly signaled a turning point in how cord blood is perceived in modern transplantation. What once was often considered an “alternative source” is now being actively re-evaluated as a strategic, and in some cases preferable, therapeutic option—particularly in the context of innovation, accessibility, and unmet clinical needs.

A key highlight of the session was the presentation by Dr. Filippo Milano, whose work on non-HLA matched pooled umbilical cord blood transplantation is reshaping long-standing limitations associated with cell dose and matching. His research demonstrates that by combining multiple cord blood units, it is possible to overcome traditional barriers and expand access to transplantation for patients who lack suitable donors—opening new clinical pathways, especially for diverse populations. To quote the first author of the presentation – Filippo Milano – “We achieved 96% of cure in AML. How much more do we have to achieve to convince you? 100%?”.

The broader discussion, enriched by contributions from pioneers such as Prof. Eliane Gluckman and Prof. Joanne Kurtzberg, emphasized how decades of experience are now converging with new technologies and clinical strategies. The message was clear: cord blood is not a legacy therapy—it is an evolving platform with untapped potential.

This perspective was strongly echoed during the round table discussion, where leading experts—including representatives from FamiCord Group—addressed the question of how to “rejuvenate” cord blood transplantation. As Tomasz Baran highlighted: “We are at a moment where cord blood should no longer be seen as a last resort, but as a consciously chosen therapeutic option—especially where speed, availability, and biological advantages matter most.” He further emphasized the importance of collaboration between clinical, scientific, and banking communities:“Only by aligning innovation with accessibility can we truly unlock the full value of cord blood for patients.”

Importantly, the joint nature of the session—bridging Cellular Therapies and Pediatric Diseases—underscored the central role of cord blood in pediatric settings, while also pointing to its expanding relevance across broader therapeutic areas.

For FamiCord Group, this session was not only a confirmation of direction, but also a strong signal that the global narrative around cord blood is changing. From experimental beginnings to established practice—and now toward renewed innovation—the field is entering a new phase, one that calls for bold thinking, collaboration, and continued commitment to patients.

About EBMT

The European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) is a leading international medical and scientific organization dedicated to advancing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and cellular therapies. It brings together clinicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals from across Europe and beyond to share knowledge, set clinical standards, and drive innovation in the treatment of hematological diseases, immune disorders, and cancers. Through its working parties, registries, and annual meetings, EBMT plays a central role in shaping best practices and improving patient outcomes worldwide.