Until what age can a person receive a cord blood transplant?

Answer: Approximately age 70. A study at the University of Minnesota transplanted patients who were not eligible for high-dose chemotherapy, either due to age, co-existing medical problems, or previous treatment. The median age was 49 (range from 19 to 69). They received reduced conditioning chemo, also known as a “mini transplant”. Sustained engraftment was 89% overall, and 98% in patients who had ablative chemotherapy (enough to wipe out bone marrow) within three months prior to transplant.

Reference:

• Wagner J. and Barker J. (Oct2004) Biol Blood Marrow Transplant. 10(10):733-4. “Umbilical Cord Blood transplantation after a non-myeloablative therapy in high risk adults.”