IMSS Stem Cell Bank Ranks Among the Best in the World

Since the creation of the IMSS Stem Cell Bank in 2005, it has treated hemato-oncological diseases, earning international certification.

By Araceli Aranday. Once Noticias. Mexican Press Agency

Mexico is making progress in the treatment of patients with blood and cancer-related conditions.

The Hematopoietic Stem Cell Bank of the Mexican Social Security Institution (IMSS) has been recognized as one of the five best in the world.

“This is due to its productivity in collecting stem cells for transplants in patients with leukemia,” said Óscar Zamudio Chávez, director of the Central Blood Bank of the Centro Médico Nacional La Raza.

Hematopoietic stem cells, also known as blood stem cells, are essential for producing all types of blood cells.

“A stem cell blood bank cannot be established just anywhere — it’s an extremely complex process,” José Arturo Velázquez García, coordinator of organ, tissue, and cell donation and transplants at IMSS explained.

The center, located within Centro Médico Nacional La Raza in northern Mexico City, uses next-generation sequencing — a method that allows for greater precision in studying genetic compatibility between donors and recipients.

“No donor, no transplant. Altruistic donation is essential so we can continue offering patients a chance and hope for life,” Natividad Neri Muñoz, coordinator of IMSS high-specialty medical units, explained.

The stem cell bank began operations in 2005 as the first public umbilical cord blood bank in Mexico. Since then, it has been a pioneer in treating hemato-oncological diseases, earning international certification.

“Today, we have a blood bank that is not only worthy of national representation but also of representing Latin America — it’s one of the largest in the region,” said Andrés García Rincón, director of the Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad Hospital de Especialidades Dr. Antonio Fraga Mouret at CMN La Raza.