Sickle Cell Disease Program

Our approach to sickle cell disease care

We offer the latest medical treatments and clinical trials, ensuring each patient has access to therapies that help.

Our comprehensive offerings include:

• CRISPR gene therapy
• Disease-modifying medications
• Outpatient care for chronic complications
• Hospital-based care for sudden-onset (acute) issues
• Urgent, same-day infusions
• Palliative care to ease pain and other symptoms
• Stem cell (bone marrow) transplants at our renowned Bone Marrow Transplant Program
• Integrative therapies, such as acupuncture, massage therapy, yoga, and meditation

We were among the first in the world to offer CRISPR gene therapy for sickle cell disease. CRISPR stands for “clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats.” This gene therapy fixes errors (mutations) in genes that cause sickle (C)-shaped red blood cells to form. After treatment, your body starts to produce normal, circular-shaped red blood cells that function as they should.

Gene therapy isn’t a cure for SCD. But it can significantly reduce the incidence of pain crises, helping to prevent hospitalizations and improve quality of life.

Our hematology social workers understand how sickle cell disease affects patients and families. We offer counseling, guidance, and support for patients and loved ones.

Our social work team can address:

• Concerns about depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and other behavioral health issues
• Conflicts between patients and family members about SCD
• Disease impact on relationships, school, work, and finances
• Safety concerns in personal relationships
• Supportive resources in your local community