Bone marrow transplant safe, effective for adult sickle cell patients: study

By Andrew M. Seaman NEW YORK (Reuters) – Bone marrow transplants, which have already been used to cure sickle cell disease in children, may also hold promise for adults, according to a new study. Using a less toxic bone marrow transplantation technique, researchers brought 26 out of 30 adult patients to a point where a majority of their blood cells were healthy and they could drastically reduce their pain and other medications. “Many patients are not aware that there are curative options,” said Dr. John Tisdale. “When you’re a child, you can get a transplant and be reasonably well assured that the result will be good.