February 4, 2022

Alemtuzumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets cell surface antigen CD52 on lymphocytes. It has been used to treat hematologic malignancies and has been incorporated into hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) conditioning regimens. However, few studies have evaluated the pharmacology of alemtuzumab in adults with sickle cell disease (SCD).   This study, published in Pharmacotherapy: The Journal...

Due to the developing nature of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the effect of other health conditions on COVID-19 outcomes is not yet clear. This study, published in Blood Advances, identified predictors of outcomes and survival in patients with COVID-19 and sickle cell disease.  Data from patients in four COVID-19 epicenters were used. Patients had a median...

Despite sickle cell disease being the most common autosomal recessive genetic disorder worldwide, physicians tend to lack a complete understanding of the disease’s morbidity and mortality. This lack of knowledge can lead to healthcare disparities. This study, published in MedEdPORTAL, examines the impact of simulation-based curriculum on physician understanding of sickle cell disease. The researchers created...

Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) remains the most effective way to cure sickle cell disease. However, its use is still limited by several challenges, including a lack of suitable donors, the risk of graft-versus-host disease, and therapy-related toxicity.  This study, published in Bone Marrow Transplantation, sought to determine the safety and efficacy of using donor-derived anti-3rd...

With sickle cell disease (SCD) predominately affecting people of African descent, understanding how to improve SCD outcomes is crucial to rectifying health disparities.  The National Heart and Lung Association funded several centers to participate in the Sickle Cell Disease Implementation Consortium. This study, published in the Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, analyzed these centers’ strategies...

A successful transition from pediatric to adult care is crucial for adolescents and young adults (AYAs) living with sickle cell disease. Preparation for this transition is key to reducing the morbidity and mortality risks they could potentially face later in life. Researchers at the University of Missouri conducted a cross-sectional, correlational study to explore the...

It is considered best practice for kids with sickle cell anemia to receive antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent serious infections. Additionally, it is recommended that they undergo transcranial Doppler (TCD) screening to determine their risk of overt stroke. However, it remains unclear how many children with sickle cell anemia actually receive antibiotic prophylaxis and/or undergo TCD...

This study, published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, evaluates the response of both non-human primates and healthy human subjects to etavopivat. Etavopivat is a small molecule activator of the glycolytic enzyme erythrocyte pyruvate kinase. It is being developed to treat sickle cell disease (SCD) and is hypothesized to work via multiple mechanisms that increase...