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Stem Cell/Bone Marrow Transplant Program

Potential Sickle Cell Disease Cure

The goal of the majority of sickle cell anemia treatments is to help you manage the various symptoms of this inherited blood disorder. By managing your symptoms, you can relieve pain, prevent infections and reduce your risk of serious complications such as gallstones, stroke, pulmonary hypertension and organ failure. Conventional treatments for sickle cell anemia include:

  • Antibiotics: Antibiotics are a common treatment for children with sickle cell anemia because they can help prevent life-threatening infections such as pneumonia.
  • Blood transfusions: With blood transfusions, you can increase the number of normal red blood cells in your body and relieve anemia. Blood transfusions can also treat other sickle cell anemia complications.
  • Pain medications: Pain medications can effectively relieve pain during a sickle cell crisis.

At University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, we also provide advanced treatment, including sickle cell anemia stem cell transplant. For eligible patients, stem cell transplants are the only potential cure for this disease as they replace the abnormally shaped hemoglobin known as HbS with normal hemoglobin producing stem cells.

If you do not have a matched donor, we collaborate with national registries to find a suitable donor or use alternative donor capabilities such as umbilical cord blood so that the transplant can be performed.

Understanding What to Expect during Stem Cell Transplant

As an experienced team with a history of successful stem cell transplants, we provide a step-by-step review of every phase of your transplant. We understand if you have any concerns and make sure we address every question, including bone marrow transplant success rates for sickle cell anemia, stem cell transplant benefits and possible side effects.

We also know that it can be challenging to work out the details of medical treatments when you need to be close to your treatment center. For many of our stem cell transplant patients, we can provide access to comfortable and supportive accommodations at the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge during your stay.

Many organizations offer discounts for University Hospitals patients and families, so please ask when making reservations. If you would like assistance arranging accommodations, or to learn more about Hope Lodge availability, please speak with your social worker or nurse navigator. You can also call our Patient Care Advocates at 216-844-7502, during regular business hours Monday to Friday.

Many lodging facilities with pre-negotiated rates are dependent on room availability.

Small Lifestyle Changes Make a Significant Difference

Small lifestyle changes can make a positive difference in your quality of life. Therefore, our team may suggest that you adhere to a nutritious diet, drink plenty of water, wash your hands frequently to avoid infection and get enough sleep.

For many, joining a support group provides a welcoming environment to share experiences. You can meet and interact with others with sickle cell anemia and share coping strategies.

Contact Our Sickle Cell Anemia Specialists

For more information on sickle cell anemia or to schedule an appointment with our team of sickle cell anemia specialists, contact us today.