Removing Barriers to Quality Sickle Cell Care

National Institutes of Health Holds Consensus Development Conference To Examine Hydroxyurea Therapy and Access to Care Otis W. Brawley, M.D. Chief Medical Officer, American Cancer Society The pain and complications associated with sickle cell disease can have a profound impact on patients quality of life, ability to work, and long-term health and well-being. Categorized by deoxygenated (or depleted of oxygen) of the red blood cells causing them to become crescent-shaped or “sickled” and sticky, adhering to blood vessel walls, blocking blood flow within limbs and organs, often causes episodes of severe pain, and decreased life span due to infections, lung problems, and stroke. Unfortunately, these challenges are often coupled with significant barriers to care. Worldwide, millions suffer from sickle cell disease. This inherited blood disorder affects 50,000 to 75,000 people in the U.S., mainly African Americans. In addition, approximately 2 million Americans carry the sickle cell trait, which increases the public health burden as this disorder is passed on to future generations. Hydroxyurea is an FDA-approved therapy for adults with certain forms of sickle cell disease. However, there are a number of unresolved issues about the use of hydroxyurea, including its safety and effectiveness, potential long-term effects, and whether or not it should be used to treat children. To further examine these issues, the National Institutes of Health is convening a Consensus Development Conference from February 25-27. The conference panel will examine these issues in detail, resulting in a summary of what we know and what we need to learn about improving care for individuals with sickle cell disease. Available to talk to your listeners about treatment and access to care for people with sickle cell disease is the conference panel chair Otis W. Brawley, M.D. Dr. Brawley will help your listeners understand more about the disease and discuss what we need to know about hydroxyurea. About the talent: Dr. Otis Brawley, a practicing oncologist, was recently appointed the American Cancer Societys Chief Medical Officer. He most recently served as professor of Hematology and Oncology and Epidemiology at Emory University, as medical director of the Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence at Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, and as deputy director for cancer control at Winship Cancer Institute at Emory University. This interview is provided by the National Institutes of Health