[Future development of cord blood transplantation]

In the present paper, we described disadvantages and advantages and future state of cord blood transplantation. One of most important disadvantages is a limited number of nucleated cells obtained from cord blood for transplantation. In order to overcome with the limited number of the cells, ex vivo expansion is considered to be essential for cord blood cell transplantation to adult patients. We also should develop the techniques of antigen presenting cells expanded ex vivo such as dendric cells pulsed with tumor specific antigen. Furthermore, we should create and supply unique cells from cord blood using genetic manipulation for the treatment of hematological disorders such as red cells without any red-cell antigen those can be transfused the patient with any blood type.