Transfusion-dependent thalassemia demands regular and time-consuming treatment, with patients requiring blood transfusions every few weeks, and for the iron that accumulates as a result of these transfusions to be removed to prevent organ damage. In this interview, which took place at the 23rd Congress of European Hematology Association (EHA) 2018, held in Stockholm, Sweden, Maria Domenica Cappellini, MD, of the University of Milan-Foundation IRCCS Policlinico Hospital, Milan, Italy, speaks to us about exciting new iron chelating agents such as deferasirox, which can be taken orally as opposed to via a subcutaneous pump. Using these new agents has been shown to improve adherence, survival and quality of life for transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients.
Oral iron chelating agents: improving quality of life in transfusion-dependent thalassemia
