Iron Chelation Therapy as a Modality of Management.
Introduction of MRI techniques for identifying and monitoring tissue iron overload and the current understanding of iron homeostasis in transfusion dependent (TDT) and non transfusion dependent thalassemia have allowed for a more robust administration of iron chelation therapies. The development of safe and efficient oral iron chelators and the insights gained from large scale prospective studies using these agents have improved iron overload management. A significant reduction in iron toxicity induced morbidity and mortality and improvements in quality of life were observed in TDT. The appropriate management of tissue specific iron loading in TDT has been portrayed using evidence based data obtained from investigational studies.
Hematology/oncology clinics of North America