NHS to Fund Stem Cell Transplants for thalassaemia patients
The NHS is set to fund curative stem cell transplants for patients with thalassaemia, a rare inherited blood disorder. This decision will help over 600 adults in the UK with transfusion-dependent thalassaemia, who previously faced the challenges of lifelong blood transfusions to manage their condition.
Thalassaemia is characterised by the low production of haemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen in your body and gives blood its red colour. Patients need regular blood transfusions every two to four weeks for survival, significantly impacting their quality of life.
The procedure, allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant (Allo-HSCT), involves replacing bone marrow stem cells with those from a matched sibling donor. Administered through intravenous infusion, this treatment helps restore healthy blood cell production.
Before, these transplants were only for children due to potential complications in adults. However, recent advancements have allowed this life-changing therapy to be available to adults.