'Half-match' bone marrow transplants wipe out sickle cell disease in selected patients
Thursday, September 20, 2012 - 21:30
in Health & Medicine
In a preliminary clinical trial, investigators have shown that even partially-matched bone marrow transplants can eliminate sickle cell disease in some patients, ridding them of painful and debilitating symptoms, and the need for a lifetime of pain medications and blood transfusions. The researchers say the use of such marrow could potentially help make bone marrow transplants accessible to a majority of sickle cell patients who need them.