Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 8, 2026

Detection of Residual Donor Erythroid Progenitor Cells after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Patients with Hemoglobinopathies
Published on: September 6, 2017
The expanding therapeutic landscape of β-thalassaemia
Khaled M Musallam1, Sujit Sheth2, Franco Locatelli3
1Center for Research on Rare Blood Disorders, Burjeel Cancer Institute, Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Thalassemia & Sickle Cell Center, Burjeel Cancer Institute, Burjeel Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
Abstract:
β-thalassaemia is characterised by ineffective erythropoiesis, chronic anaemia, haemolysis, and progressive iron-related and non-iron-related morbidity. Although transfusion, iron chelation, multidisciplinary care, and allogeneic haematopoietic stem-cell transplantation have substantially improved outcomes, major gaps persist in treatment burden, access, safety, adherence, and curative feasibility. Over the past decade, the therapeutic landscape has expanded rapidly, with disease-modifying agents targeting erythroid maturation and red cell metabolism, including luspatercept and mitapivat, now available as options for both transfusion-dependent and non-transfusion-dependent β-thalassaemia. In parallel, gene addition and gene editing therapies, particularly beti-cel and exa-cel, have established proof of curative potential independent of donor availability. However, optimal patient selection, response definitions, long-term outcome assessment, affordability, and equitable global access remain central challenges for wide implementation. In this Series paper, we discuss advances in β-thalassaemia treatment over the past decade, including newly approved and late-stage therapies and their future implications, and highlight remaining research gaps.
Related Concept Videos
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Affecting Factors
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase
Bone Marrow Sampling and Transplants
The transplant begins with high doses of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, which aim to destroy the...
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Drug Analysis Methods
