[Overview of new approaches to β-thalassemia treatment]

Sheng Li Xue Bao. 2024 Jun 25;76(3):496-506.
[Article in Chinese]

Abstract

Hemoglobinopathies are one of the most common single-gene genetic disorders globally, with approximately 1% to 5% of the global population carrying the mutated gene for thalassemia. Thalassemia are classified into transfusion-dependent thalassemia and non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia based on the need for blood transfusion. Traditional treatment modalities include blood transfusion, splenectomy, hydroxyurea therapy, and iron chelation therapy, which are now widely used for clinical treatment and constitute the main methods recommended in the β-thalassemia treatment guidelines. However, there are multiple barriers and limitations to the application of these approaches, and there is an urgent need to explore new therapeutic approaches. With the in-depth study of the pathophysiological process of β-thalassemia, a deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of the disease has been gained. It has been demonstrated that the pathogenesis of thalassemia is closely related to ineffective erythropoiesis (IE), imbalance in the ratio of α/β-globin protein chains and iron overload. New therapeutic approaches are emerging for different pathogenic mechanisms. Among them, new drugs for the treatment of IE mainly include activin receptor II trap ligands, Janus kinase 2 inhibitors, pyruvate kinase activators, and glycine transporter protein 1 inhibitors. Correcting the imbalance in the hemoglobin chain is mainly due to emerging technologies such as bone marrow transplantation and gene editing. Measures in reducing iron overload are associated with inhibiting the activity of transferrin and hepcidin. These new approaches provide new ideas and options for the treatment and management of β-thalassemia.

Publication types

  • Review
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Activin Receptors, Type II / genetics
  • Blood Transfusion
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation / methods
  • Erythropoiesis
  • Gene Editing
  • Genetic Therapy* / methods
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin Fc Fragments
  • Iron Chelating Agents / therapeutic use
  • Iron Overload / therapy
  • Janus Kinase 2 / genetics
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Splenectomy
  • beta-Thalassemia* / genetics
  • beta-Thalassemia* / therapy

Substances

  • Janus Kinase 2
  • luspatercept
  • Activin Receptors, Type II
  • Iron Chelating Agents
  • Immunoglobulin Fc Fragments
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins