For the first time ever there was a successful bone marrow transplant that cured sickle cell disease. The Los Angeles Times reports that, “In a study of 10 adults with the blood disease, the procedure cures nine.” This is a huge advancement that could possibly cure more than 70,000 Americans that suffer from the disease. Not only does this benefit those who suffer from sickle cell anemia, but this could lead the way to curing other diseases as well.
This is ground breaking because there was only one thing doctors could offer sickle cell anemia patients before, hydroxyurea, and if that didn’t work you were pretty much out of luck. Sickle cell disease is caused by a genetic mutation which makes red blood cells take on a sickle shape. This mutated shape prevents the cells from effectively carrying oxygen, and then causes them to clog blood vessels. In worst case scenarios this disease can be fatal, causing strokes and damaging multiple organs.
If you suffer from sickle cell anemia, talk to a doctor in your area about bone marrow transplants.
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