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The Karnataka government’s Project Chandana with Rs. 18 crore funding from Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) will trace sickle cell anaemia in the population. This is part of the state’s efforts to make Karnataka anaemia-free.
Extensive tests will be carried out and counselling of the tribal populations, who are at risk of contracting the disease, is underway at Mysuru, Kodagu, and Chamarajanagar. The challenges can be tackled together and fight for the disease’s eradication as mandated by the Centre by 2047, said Karnataka minister for health and family welfare, Dinesh Gundu Rao.
Project Chandana is envisaged to trace cases of sickle cell anaemia, a genetic/hereditary disease among 2.56 lakh tribal population in the next two years in Chamarajanagar, Mysuru and Kodagu districts, for their health management and to take preventive measures to eliminate the disease.
From a corporate hospital perspective, Dr Byreddy Poojitha, hemato oncologist & bone marrow transplant, cancer specialist, CARE Hospitals said sickle cell disease has the potential for several issues such as organ damage and higher chances of infections and commonly exhibits abnormally shaped blood cells. Research and methods of treatment, developed by experts in recent years however, are most suitable for combat against this disease.
A new approach to combat the genetic issue sickle cell disease is gene therapy. In fact, currently hematopoietic stem cell transplantations (HSCT) is the only treatment with curable potential. Usually, lack of donor availability and risky operations have inhibited such transplantations, but recent developments have made HSCTs more secure and available. Methods like low intensity conditioning regimens and the use of haploidentical or half-matched donors are increasing the chances of patient eligibility.
To most efficiently treat sickle cell disease complications and symptoms, experts are also working on new pharmacological treatments. Here Voxelotor is a relevant drug that raises haemoglobin and lowers haemolysis. There are even drugs like hydroxyurea which have served as the primary SCD treatment in the past years, that are supplemented by newer antibodies like crizanlizumab that targets P-selectin thus lowering the frequency of pain crises, she said.
RNA-based therapies, like small interfering RNA (siRNA) and antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) are emerging as viable options. Treatment and care for pain is a significant element of sickle cell disease. Researchers have studied methods such as non-opioid medications, nerve blocks, and psychological treatments like cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), among others. Such techniques emerge as fewer addictive alternatives for SCD associated chronic pain management, said Dr Poojitha.
Further the treatment has also witnessed the introduction of personalized medicine and can be used by medical experts to prepare treatments with the best patient outcomes (by using the individual genetic makeup and potential disease manifestation in each patient).
The SCD research and medical care now possesses several innovative approaches and is continually evolving. RNA based and gene therapy, gene editing, pharmacological treatments and personalized medicine etc. all aid in improving the chances and patient outcomes of those affected by SCD. The further development of such treatments possesses the potential to revolutionize SCD into a manageable disease with hopes of a cure in the future.
Going by the expensive treatment option, the government s of the view that early detection and control is the key to combat sickle cell disease.
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