About this episode

The episode discusses the advancements in gene therapy for sickle cell disease and the challenges of accessibility for patients worldwide.

Gene therapy has changed what is possible for people living with sickle cell disease. New treatments have shown that the condition can be successfully treated. But the therapy is costly and available to only a small number of patients. Millions of people around the world still rely on early diagnosis and preventative medicines, with access to basic care remaining a challenge in many places, including sub-Saharan Africa, which has almost 80% of global sickle cell cases. Are we closer to gene therapy for sickle cell disease being accessible? We speak to Dr Natasha Archer, director of the Sickle Cell Program at the Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, US; Dr Alexis Thompson, paediatric haematologist at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and a professor of paediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania, US; Dr Leon Tshilolo, professor of paediatrics and haematology at the University of Mbuji-Mayi, DR Congo and Prof Baba Inusa, consultant paediatrician in the School of Life Course & Population Sciences at King's College London, UK (Photo: Cell lines are prepared in a laboratory in Maryland, US. Credit: Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images) Presenter…

People in this episode

Host: Daniel Rosney

Guests: Dr Natasha Archer, Dr Alexis Thompson, Dr Leon Tshilolo, Prof Baba Inusa

Topics covered

• gene therapy
• sickle cell disease
• healthcare access
• treatment advancements
• global health
• paediatrics

Keywords

• gene therapy
• sickle cell disease
• treatment
• healthcare
• accessibility
• paediatric haematology
• global health

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, University of Mbuji-Mayi, King's College London

Places: sub-Saharan Africa, DR Congo, US, UK

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