What Is Sickle Cell Anemia? Can Sickle Cells Be Cured?
What is sickle cell anemia? Can sickle cells be cured?
Sickle cell anemia is a type of genetic blood disorder that affects the shape and function of red blood cells. Typically, these cells are round and flexible, allowing them to move easily through blood vessels to deliver oxygen throughout the body. In sickle cell anemia, however, the red blood cells become rigid and crescent or “sickle” shaped. This abnormal shape can cause the cells to clump together, leading to blockages in blood vessels, which in turn can result in pain, infections, and organ damage. Dr. Chandrakant Lahane, a hematologist in Pune, specializes in treating sickle cell anemia.
Can sickle cells be cured?
Until recently, the only known cure for sickle cell anemia was a bone marrow transplant. This procedure involves replacing the patient’s diseased bone marrow with healthy marrow from a donor, often a closely matched family member. However, finding a suitable donor can be challenging, and there are risks associated with the transplant, such as rejection by the patient’s immune system.
The landscape of treatment for sickle cell anemia has changed dramatically with the introduction of gene-editing therapies. Recently, the FDA approved two groundbreaking treatments: Casgevy and Lyfgenia. These therapies use advanced gene-editing tools to modify the patient’s own stem cells to produce healthy red blood cells, eliminating the need for a donor. The treatment involves editing the DNA within the stem cells to correct the genetic defect that causes sickle cell disease.
How does the new gene editing treatment work?
Sickle cell anemia treatment involves the extraction of the patient’s stem cells from the bone marrow. The stem cells are then sent to a lab, where they are edited using CRISPR technology to remove the gene causing the sickle cell trait. Before reinfusion, chemotherapy is administered to remove any remaining defective stem cells in the patient’s body. Finally, the modified stem cells are reinfused into the patient, where they can start producing normal, healthy red blood cells. This treatment, while complex, has shown promising results, allowing patients to live free from the symptoms of sickle cell disease.
Dr. Chandrakant Lahane: Expert Hematologist in Pune
If you or a loved one are dealing with sickle cell anemia, consulting with an experienced hematologist is crucial. Dr. Chandrakant Lahane is a hematologist in Pune with over 20 years of experience in treating blood disorders, including sickle cell anemia. He specializes in bone marrow transplants and advanced treatments for hemoglobinopathies like sickle cell disease and thalassemia, providing cutting-edge care and consultation.