Treatment Options
There are a variety of current therapies available for treating the symptoms of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). The only potentially curative therapy for sickle cell disease is a bone marrow or stem cell transplant from an unaffected person (donor). Please talk with your doctor regarding the most appropriate treatment for you or your family.
Blood Transfusions
Frequent blood transfusions may be used either acutely (short term) or chronically (long-term) to manage the anemia, fatigue, and pain associated with sickle cell disease. Transfusions of healthy (round) red blood cells are given to replace the weaker sickle shaped blood cells. Transfusions can help correct anemia and poor oxygen circulation. New blood cells improve blood circulation and organ function, reducing overall pain and fatigue.
Medications
Medications can be used to treat sickle cell disease.
Bone Marrow Transplant
The only potentially curative therapy for SCD is a bone marrow transplant from someone else (allogeneic transplant). Bone marrow transplants can be from different types of donors:
Please visit our Haplo Transplant Overview page to learn more about the donation and transplant process. You can also find more information regarding sickle cell disease and transplant at BeTheMatch.org.
Risks and Benefits
All three of the treatment options above (transfusions, medications, and bone marrow transplant) have risks and benefits. Please discuss with your doctor which therapy is the right one for you or your child.
Blood Transfusions
Frequent blood transfusions may be used either acutely (short term) or chronically (long-term) to manage the anemia, fatigue, and pain associated with sickle cell disease. Transfusions of healthy (round) red blood cells are given to replace the weaker sickle shaped blood cells. Transfusions can help correct anemia and poor oxygen circulation. New blood cells improve blood circulation and organ function, reducing overall pain and fatigue.
Medications
Medications can be used to treat sickle cell disease.
- Antibiotics such as Penicillin may be given to patients to help prevent or fight certain infections
- Pain relieving medication (narcotics) can be used to reduce pain associated with a sickle crisis
- Hydroxyurea is a medication that is taken daily. It works to reduce the frequency of painful crises and may reduce or replace the need for blood transfusions.
Bone Marrow Transplant
The only potentially curative therapy for SCD is a bone marrow transplant from someone else (allogeneic transplant). Bone marrow transplants can be from different types of donors:
- An unaffected sibling donor is one without sickle cell disease. However, only approximately 15% of SCD patients have such donors.
- A fully-matched unrelated donor. However, not every patient has a well matched unrelated donor available.
- An unaffected half-matched family donor (familial haploidentical donor) without sickle cell disease. Donors are usually mom, dad, or sibling.
Please visit our Haplo Transplant Overview page to learn more about the donation and transplant process. You can also find more information regarding sickle cell disease and transplant at BeTheMatch.org.
Risks and Benefits
All three of the treatment options above (transfusions, medications, and bone marrow transplant) have risks and benefits. Please discuss with your doctor which therapy is the right one for you or your child.
Medical Disclaimer: The pages on this web site are for education and informational purposes only. Do not use this material to diagnose or treat a health problem; it is not a substitute for professional medical care. If you have concerns about a health problem, consult your doctor. This site is not meant as a substitute for the important healthcare discussions that should occur between an individual and their medical team. No liabiity is assumed by the Haplo SCD Consortium for any damages resulting from use or access to information posted on this website.