Stem cell transplantation for thalassaemia

Although improvements in conventional treatment have enhanced the prognosis of thalassaemia, stem cell transplantation remains the only cure. Over the last 2 decades, progress in preventive strategies, effective control of transplant related complications and development of new preparative regimens, have considerably improved the results of transplants from HLA-identical siblings. Currently class 1, class 2 and class 3 patients receiving bone marrow transplantation (BMT) from an HLA-identical related donor have 87, 85 and 80% of probability of thalassaemia-free survival. The results of transplant in adult patients treated with current protocols are less successful. This study reports experience with BMT for thalassaemia.