2021 update on clinical trials in β-thalassemia

Am J Hematol. 2021 Nov 1;96(11):1518-1531. doi: 10.1002/ajh.26316. Epub 2021 Aug 18.

Abstract

The treatment landscape for patients with β-thalassemia is witnessing a swift evolution, yet several unmet needs continue to persist. Patients with transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (TDT) primarily rely on regular transfusion and iron chelation therapy, which can be associated with considerable treatment burden and cost. Patients with non-transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia (NTDT) are also at risk of significant morbidity due to the underlying anemia and iron overload, but treatment options in this patient subgroup are limited. In this review, we provide updates on clinical trials of novel therapies targeting the underlying pathology in β-thalassemia, including the α/non-α-globin chain imbalance, ineffective erythropoiesis, and iron dysregulation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Blood Transfusion
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Drug Discovery
  • Erythropoiesis / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Iron / metabolism
  • Iron Chelating Agents / therapeutic use
  • alpha-Globins / genetics
  • alpha-Globins / metabolism
  • beta-Thalassemia / genetics
  • beta-Thalassemia / metabolism
  • beta-Thalassemia / pathology
  • beta-Thalassemia / therapy*

Substances

  • Iron Chelating Agents
  • alpha-Globins
  • Iron