About this Research Topic
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by the production of abnormal hemoglobin S (HbS) within the red blood cells. Under certain conditions, such as low oxygen levels, stress, or dehydration, these cells can warp into a sickle or crescent shape, rather than maintaining their normal, flexible, disc-like structure. This deformation makes it difficult for the cells to pass through small blood vessels, leading to blockages that prevent blood from reaching different parts of the body, causing pain and potential organ damage.
The severity and symptoms of SCD can vary significantly from person to person, making it a complex disease to manage. Treatment strategies primarily focus on managing symptoms and reducing complications. These include pain management, hydration, blood transfusions, and the use of specific drugs like hydroxyurea, which can reduce the frequency of pain episodes and lower the risk of some complications.
One of the most significant translational successes in SCD has been the development and approval of hydroxyurea, a medication that increases fetal hemoglobin levels, reducing the frequency of events and painful crises. This breakthrough was a direct result of understanding the protective role of fetal hemoglobin in SCD patients. Recent advances in research have led to promising treatments that target the disease at a genetic level. Gene therapy and bone marrow transplants offer potential cures for a select group of patients, marking a significant milestone in the fight against SCD. However, these treatments are complex, expensive, and not without risks, highlighting the need for continued research and accessible care options.
Therefore, this Research Topic aims to gather the most-up-to-date developments in SCD. We welcome original research articles, reviews, mini reviews, systematic reviews, perspectives, commentaries, data notes, but are not limited to the following:
•Novel diagnostic tools and predictive models, enabling early intervention and personalized medicine approaches.
•Research related to biomarkers identified through genomic and proteomic studies to predict disease severity.
•Recent advancement in therapeutic discoveries related to SCD
•Patient-centered research in SCD
•The pathway from bench to bedside in SCD
The severity and symptoms of SCD can vary significantly from person to person, making it a complex disease to manage. Treatment strategies primarily focus on managing symptoms and reducing complications. These include pain management, hydration, blood transfusions, and the use of specific drugs like hydroxyurea, which can reduce the frequency of pain episodes and lower the risk of some complications.
One of the most significant translational successes in SCD has been the development and approval of hydroxyurea, a medication that increases fetal hemoglobin levels, reducing the frequency of events and painful crises. This breakthrough was a direct result of understanding the protective role of fetal hemoglobin in SCD patients. Recent advances in research have led to promising treatments that target the disease at a genetic level. Gene therapy and bone marrow transplants offer potential cures for a select group of patients, marking a significant milestone in the fight against SCD. However, these treatments are complex, expensive, and not without risks, highlighting the need for continued research and accessible care options.
Therefore, this Research Topic aims to gather the most-up-to-date developments in SCD. We welcome original research articles, reviews, mini reviews, systematic reviews, perspectives, commentaries, data notes, but are not limited to the following:
•Novel diagnostic tools and predictive models, enabling early intervention and personalized medicine approaches.
•Research related to biomarkers identified through genomic and proteomic studies to predict disease severity.
•Recent advancement in therapeutic discoveries related to SCD
•Patient-centered research in SCD
•The pathway from bench to bedside in SCD
Keywords: Blood, Transfusion, Hemoglobin Abnormalities, sickle cell, Gene Therapy, Transplant
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
