Experts at The Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer are nationally and internationally recognized as leaders in the research and treatment of sickle cell disease and other blood disorders. Our experienced and dedicated team provides our patients with innovative treatments and the best quality of care possible.

Advanced Practice Providers

Research Papers

Haploidentical Bone Marrow Transplantation with Post-Transplantation Cyclophosphamide Plus Thiotepa Improves Donor Engraftment in Patients with Sickle Cell Anemia: Results of an International Learning Collaborative. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant. 2019 Jun;25(6):1197-1209. doi: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2018.11.027. Epub 2018 Nov 28. PMID: 30500440.

Summary:
Robert Brodsky and colleagues show in a clinical trial that adding the chemotherapy drug thiotepa to a bone marrow transplant process helps prevent transplant rejection in patients with sickle cell disease. During a phase II clinical trial for 18 sickle cell disease patients who were receiving “half-matched” bone marrow transplants, the researchers found that adding thiotepa to the medicines used to prepare the body for the transplant helped patients avoid transplant rejection in most cases. Adding thiotepa and the drug cyclophosphamide to the transplant protocol improved rejection rates without increasing death or disability, the researchers concluded.

Blood and marrow transplantation for sickle cell disease: overcoming barriers to success. Curr Opin Oncol. 2009 Mar;21(2):158-61. doi: 10.1097/CCO.0b013e328324ba04. PMID: 19532018.

Summary:
This paper by Javier Bolaños-Meade and Robert Brodsky discusses the possibilities of bone marrow transplant as a “curative” option for patients with sickle cell disease. While finding fully HLA-matched bone marrow donors produces the best results, the researchers discuss the possibilities of half-matched transplants and note the success of bone marrow transplants in children with sickle cell disease.