Stem cell transplantation for thalassaemia

Reprod Biomed Online. 2005 Jan;10(1):111-5. doi: 10.1016/s1472-6483(10)60811-5.

Abstract

Although improvements in conventional treatment have enhanced the prognosis of thalassaemia, stem cell transplantation remains the only cure. Over the last 2 decades, progress in preventive strategies, effective control of transplant related complications and development of new preparative regimens, have considerably improved the results of transplants from HLA-identical siblings. Currently class 1, class 2 and class 3 patients receiving bone marrow transplantation (BMT) from an HLA-identical related donor have 87, 85 and 80% of probability of thalassaemia-free survival. The results of transplant in adult patients treated with current protocols are less successful. This study reports experience with BMT for thalassaemia.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Chimerism
  • Graft vs Host Disease
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Iron Overload / therapy
  • Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • beta-Thalassemia / therapy*