How long does it take cord blood to engraft in a transplant recipient?

Answer: At least a week longer than it takes bone marrow to engraft. Median engraftment times for bone marrow and Cord Blood are typically 18 and 26 days.

References:

• Rocha, V., et al. (2000) NEJM 342:1846-54
• Wadlow & Porter (2002) Biology of Blood & Marrow Transplantation vol.8(issue 12):637-647

New Answer: Research is underway to speed up engraftment. Expanding the number of Stem Cells in Cord Blood (see question 10.) makes it possible to transplant bigger patients, but does not speed up engraftment. In Aug 2004, a research team at led by Hal Broxmeyer at Indiana University School of Medicine (press release) announced that they can speed up engraftment by inhibiting or deleting CD26, an enzyme on the surface of Stem Cells. The initial publication describes research on mice, but human trials are planned.

Reference:

• Christopherson, KW II et al., 13 Aug 2004 Science 305(5686), 1000-1003. “Modulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Homing and Engraftment by CD26″

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