Cord Blood Cord Blood Stem Cells 3

Question 1

What is the graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect in cord blood transplantation?

Accepted Answer

Donor immune cells attacking residual leukemia cells in the recipient

Answer

The GVL effect is a beneficial immune response where donor T-cells from the graft target and destroy any remaining leukemia cells in the recipient.

Question 2

Why might cord blood be preferred over matched unrelated donor (MUD) bone marrow for patients of mixed ethnic heritage?

Accepted Answer

HLA matching requirements for cord blood are less stringent, broadening donor options

Answer

Cord blood transplants can tolerate up to 2 HLA mismatches while maintaining acceptable outcomes, which increases the chance of finding a suitable unit for ethnically diverse patients.

Question 3

What distinguishes autologous cord blood transplantation from allogeneic transplantation?

Accepted Answer

Autologous uses the patient's own stored cord blood; allogeneic uses a donor's cord blood

Answer

Autologous transplantation uses the patient's own previously stored cord blood, while allogeneic transplantation uses cord blood from a matched donor.

Question 4

What percentage of cord blood collections from full-term births typically meet the minimum cell count threshold for public banking?

Accepted Answer

About 20–30%

Answer

Approximately 20–30% of cord blood collections meet the minimum total nucleated cell count required for public banking, meaning most donations are discarded.

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the immunological naivety of cord blood T-cells?

Accepted Answer

They have not been exposed to foreign antigens and lack antigen-specific memory

Answer

Cord blood T-cells are naive because the fetal immune system has had minimal antigen exposure, resulting in cells that lack antigen-specific memory and are less reactive.

Cord Blood Practice Test

Cord Blood Practice Test

Cord Blood Cord Blood Stem Cells 3