How I treat non-transfusion-dependent ß-thalassemia.

The intricate interplay of anemia and iron overload under the pathophysiological umbrella of ineffective erythropoiesis in non-transfusion-dependent ß-thalassemia (NTDT) results in a complex variety of clinical phenotypes that are challenging to diagnose and manage. In this article, we use a clinical framework rooted in pathophysiology to present 4 common scenarios of patients with NTDT. Starting from practical considerations in the diagnosis of NTDT, we delineate our strategy for the longitudinal care of patients who exhibit different constellations of symptoms and complications. We highlight the use of transfusion therapy and novel agents, such as luspatercept, in the patient with anemia-related complications. We also describe our approach to chelation therapy in the patient with iron overload. Although tackling every specific complication of NTDT is beyond the scope of this article, we touch on the management of the various morbidities and multisystem manifestations of the disease.

Non-Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia: An Update on Complications and Management.

Patients with non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT) experience many clinical complications despite their independence from frequent transfusions. Morbidities in NTDT stem from the interaction of multiple pathophysiological factors: ineffective erythropoiesis, iron overload (IOL), and hypercoagulability. Ineffective erythropoiesis and hemolysis are associated with chronic hypoxia and a hypercoagulable state. The latter are linked to a high prevalence of thromboembolic and cerebrovascular events, as well as leg ulcers and pulmonary hypertension. IOL in NTDT patients is a cumulative process that can lead to several iron-related morbidities in the liver (liver fibrosis), kidneys, endocrine glands (endocrinopathies), and vascular system (vascular disease). This review sheds light on the pathophysiology underlying morbidities associated with NTDT and summarizes the mainstays of treatment and some of the possible future therapeutic interventions.

Iron overload in thalassemia: different organs at different rates.

Thalassemic disorders lie on a phenotypic spectrum of clinical severity that depends on the severity of the globin gene mutation and coinheritance of other genetic determinants. Iron overload is associated with increased morbidity in both patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) and non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT). The predominant mechanisms driving the process of iron loading include increased iron burden secondary to transfusion therapy in TDT and enhanced intestinal absorption secondary to ineffective erythropoiesis and hepcidin suppression in NTDT. Different organs are affected differently by iron overload in TDT and NTDT owing to the underlying iron loading mechanism and rate of iron accumulation. Serum ferritin measurement and noninvasive imaging techniques are available to diagnose iron overload, quantify its extent in different organs, and monitor clinical response to therapy. This chapter discusses the general approach to iron chelation therapy based on organ involvement using the available iron chelators: deferoxamine, deferiprone, and deferasirox. Other novel experimental options for treatment and prevention of complications associated with iron overload in thalassemia are briefly discussed.

Safety and pharmacokinetics of the oral iron chelator SP-420 in ß-thalassemia.

Our phase I, open-label, multi-center, dose-escalation study evaluated the pharmacokinetics (PK) of SP-420, a tridentate oral iron chelating agent of the desferrithiocin class, in patients with transfusion dependent ß-thalassemia. SP-420 was administered as a single dose of 1.5 (n = 3), 3 (n = 3), 6 (n = 3), 12 (n = 3), and 24 (n = 6) mg/kg or as a twice-daily dose of 9 mg/kg (n = 6) over 14-28 days. There was a near dose-linear increase in the mean plasma SP-420 concentrations and in the mean values for Cmax and AUC0-τ over the dose range evaluated. The median tmax ranged from 0.5 to 2.25 h and was not dose dependent. The study was prematurely terminated by the sponsor due to renal adverse events (AE) including proteinuria, increase in serum creatinine, and one case of Fanconi syndrome. Other adverse effects included hypersensitivity reactions and gastrointestinal disturbances. Based on current dose administration, the renal AE observed outweighed the possible benefits from chelation therapy. However, additional studies assessing efficacy and safety of lower doses or less frequent dosing of SP-420 over longer durations with close monitoring would be necessary to better explain the findings of our study and characterize the safety of the study drug.

Morbidities in non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia.

Patients with non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT) experience a wide array of clinical complications despite their independence from frequent, regular red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. According to the current understanding of NTDT, these clinical complications stem from the interaction of multiple pathophysiological factors: ineffective erythropoiesis, iron overload, and hypercoagulability. The state of chronic anemia and hypoxia-resulting from ineffective erythropoiesis and hemolysis-leads to the expansion of the erythroid marrow and extramedullary hematopoiesis. The chronic ineffective erythropoiesis also triggers increased intestinal iron absorption and deposition in the liver and endocrine glands despite the lack of transfusional iron load. Patients with NTDT also have a higher incidence of thromboembolic disease, pulmonary hypertension, and silent cerebral ischemia. The treatment of NTDT relies on occasional or more frequent blood transfusions for certain indications (severe infection, pregnancy, and surgery), iron chelation therapy, splenectomy, and hydroxyurea. Splenectomy is no longer routinely performed in all patients with NTDT in light of its association with increased risk of NTDT-related complications. This review focuses on the clinical morbidities associated with NTDT, summarizes the mainstays of treatment, and sheds light on future therapeutic directions in the field.

Clinical monitoring and management of complications related to chelation therapy in patients with ß-thalassemia.

Iron chelating agents - deferoxamine (DFO), deferiprone (DFP), and deferasirox (DFX) - are used to treat chronic iron overload in patients with ß-thalassemia in an attempt to reduce morbidity and mortality related to siderosis. Each of the approved iron chelating agents has its own advantages over the others and also has its own risks, whether related to over-chelation or not. In this review, we briefly discuss the methods to monitor the efficacy of iron chelation therapy (ICT) and the evidence behind the use of each iron chelating agent. We also portray the risks and complications associated with each iron chelating agent and recommend strategies to manage adverse events.

Iron chelation therapy in transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients: current strategies and future directions.

Transfusional iron overload is a major target in the care of patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) and other refractory anemias. Iron accumulates in the liver, heart, and endocrine organs leading to a wide array of complications. In this review, we summarize the characteristics of the approved iron chelators, deferoxamine, deferiprone, and deferasirox, and the evidence behind the use of each, as monotherapy or as part of combination therapy. We also review the different guidelines on iron chelation in TDT. This review also discusses future prospects and directions in the treatment of transfusional iron overload in TDT whether through innovation in chelation or other therapies, such as novel agents that improve transfusion dependence.