THALASSEMIA AND SICKLE CELL
Thalassemia and sickle cell treatment in India
A bone marrow (stem cell) transplant can cure thalassemia major and sickle cell disease in suitable patients. Transplant centres in Delhi NCR treat children and adults from Africa and the Middle East. We arrange the first review and the donor tests.
Medical recommendations come from your qualified treating clinicians.
Bone marrow transplant for blood disorders
In thalassemia major and sickle cell disease, the bone marrow makes faulty red blood cells. A transplant replaces it with healthy stem cells from a donor. It is the established curative treatment, and works best in younger patients with a well-matched donor.
Patients who are not suitable for a transplant continue with regular transfusions, iron chelation or medicines such as hydroxyurea for sickle cell disease.
Why transplant costs differ
The main factors are:
- The donor: matched sibling, matched unrelated or half-matched (haploidentical)
- The patient’s age, iron overload and organ function
- Tests before transplant for the patient and donor
- Days in the transplant unit
- Medicines and blood products after the transplant
What a transplant estimate usually covers
Ask whether the estimate includes donor tests and stem cell collection, the transplant unit stay, chemotherapy before transplant, and medicines and check-ups until discharge. Complications are usually extra.
Finding a donor
Brothers and sisters are the most likely match. HLA typing of the patient and siblings can often be done at home and the reports sent to India, so the team can tell you who might donate before you travel. If no sibling matches, a half-matched transplant from a parent or sibling may be possible.
How long to plan for in India
Plan for about two to three months, including tests, the transplant and early recovery near the hospital. The donor usually needs a shorter stay. Up to two family members can travel on e-Medical Attendant Visas.
Choosing a transplant centre
Choose a centre with a dedicated bone marrow transplant unit, experience with thalassemia and sickle cell transplants, and pediatric expertise if the patient is a child.
Get your free transplant review and estimate
Send the diagnosis, recent blood tests, ferritin levels and any HLA typing reports for the patient and siblings. The transplant team advises on suitability and donors, and sends a written estimate.
Frequently asked questions
Can thalassemia be cured?⌄
A bone marrow transplant can cure thalassemia major in suitable patients, especially children with a matched sibling donor.
Can sickle cell disease be cured by a transplant?⌄
Yes, in selected patients. The team weighs the benefits and risks for each patient.
Who can be the donor?⌄
Usually a brother or sister with a matching HLA type. If none matches, a half-matched parent or sibling may be possible.
Can we test siblings before travelling?⌄
Often yes. HLA typing done at home can be sent to the transplant team for review.
WHEN YOU’RE READY
Take the next step
at your own pace.
Start with a short enquiry. A coordinator can help you understand what information may be useful next.