Hematopoietic stem cell transplant therapy, clinical trials, complications, and quality of life for patients with Sickle cell anemia: Clinical potential and future perspectives

Henu Kumar Verma; Yashwant Kumar Ratre; L.V.K.S Bhaskar; Tarun Sahu; Devendra  Purushottam Lingojwar

doi:10.18502/ijpho.v12i4.10918

Henu Kumar Verma Department of Immunopathology, Institute of lungs Biology and Disease, Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Helmholtz Zentrum, 85764 Neuherberg, Munich, Germany
Yashwant Kumar Ratre Department of Biotechnology, Guru GhasidasVishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur, India.
L.V.K.S Bhaskar Department of Zoology, Guru GhasidasVishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur, India.
Tarun Sahu Department of Physiology, AIIMS, Raipur, India.
Devendra Purushottam Lingojwar Regional Society for Education and Research in Community Health, Pune, India

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijpho.v12i4.10918

Keywords: Hemoglobinopathy, Hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation, Quality of Life, Sickle cell Anemia

Abstract

Background: Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is an inherited monogenic disorder. The clinical symptoms of SCA are protean, including vaso-occlusion, hemolysis, early stroke, leg ulcers, multi-organ failure, and increased risk of premature death. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is the only treatment identified to reduce SCA-related organ damage. Unfortunately, graft rejection is a significant impediment to these strategies.

Materials and Methods: The current standard of treatment for the past two decades is limited to myeloablative-matched sibling donors, which is likely to be only for minor patients and is feasible for non-malignant giant disease. Cumulative studies showed that HSCT increases overall survival and quality of life in patients with SCA.

Results: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is significantly associated with a higher risk of graft versus host disease and moderate mortality risk. New strategy lacking standard donors includes cord blood, matched unrelated donors/ Haploidentical donors.

Conclusion: This review summarized evidence from HSCT clinical trials from different transplantation methods, specific HSCT and HSCT-related health problems that need to be addressed in medical contexts with patients and family members, and other areas that enhance the quality of life in SCA.