New Transfusion Monthly Podcast Explores Alloimmunization Challenges in Gene Therapy for SCD

Experts from Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center joined the latest episode of the Transfusion Monthly Podcast to discuss the challenges of alloimmunization in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) who are being treated with gene therapy. In their conversation with host Yara Park, MD, Hannah R. Abrams, MD, and Kleber Y. Fertrin, MD, PhD, explored findings from their recent rapid review, which examined transfusion requirements and strategies for managing alloantibodies in this patient population.

Their conversation covered the prevalence of alloimmunization, its implications for gene therapy access and the challenges of providing compatible blood products for these patients. Abrams and Fertrin also focused on the need for preventive strategies, such as patient genotyping and expanded donor diversity, and discussed potential alternatives for alloimmunized patients. The episode also emphasized the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration and data sharing to develop national guidelines and support equitable access to gene therapy.