• $ 1.7
  • € 1.9855
  • ₽ 0.020247
  • ₺ 0.0409
  • £ 2.2701

A bone marrow transplant only complete cure for some thalassemia cases

A bone marrow transplant only complete cure for some thalassemia cases
13.08.2025 17:00

A full cure for thalassemia is possible in some cases, but it depends on the type and severity of the disease, a senior Azerbaijani health official said on Tuesday.

The only fully curative method currently available is a bone marrow or stem cell transplant, said Tunzala Ahmedova, head of the transfusiology department at the National Centre of Hematology and Transfusiology. The procedure requires a suitable donor, and that the patient’s overall health allows it, she said.

“During the transplant, the patient’s diseased bone marrow is completely destroyed using cancer treatment drugs and radiation therapy, after which healthy donor stem cells are introduced. Although this method can potentially eliminate the disease entirely, it is only used in special cases due to serious risks and severe side effects,” Ahmedova said.

In most cases, patients receive long-term treatment to improve quality of life and prevent complications, including regular blood transfusions and iron-chelation therapy to treat iron overload caused by transfusions, she added.

Ahmedova stressed that premarital medical examinations are an important step for the future health of families, as carriers of hereditary diseases such as thalassemia often show no symptoms. If both spouses carry the same gene, there is a high risk of children being born with severe forms of the disease, especially in consanguineous marriages, she said.

Premarital screening is “not just a formality but a responsible choice” to protect the health of parents and future children, enabling early diagnosis and preventive measures, she added.

Similar news
Similar news
Forecasters said rain and thunderstorms are expected in Baku
Society 17:00
Forecasters said rain and thunderstorms are expected in Baku
Azerbaijani-born businessman wins third term in Novosibirsk legislature
Society 17:07
Azerbaijani-born businessman wins third term in Novosibirsk legislature
Russian court extends detention of Azerbaijani diaspora leader Shakhin Shikhlinsky
Society 16:30
Russian court extends detention of Azerbaijani diaspora leader Shakhin Shikhlinsky
Azercell’s “DataMinds Bootcamp” equips young talents with data and AI skills
Society 17:08
Azercell’s “DataMinds Bootcamp” equips young talents with data and AI skills
With the support of Nar, the country’s first inclusive intellectual game tournament was held
Society 14:33
With the support of Nar, the country’s first inclusive intellectual game tournament was held
A new milestone in urban micromobility with Azercell
Society 13:27
A new milestone in urban micromobility with Azercell
Azercell offers its users a three-month subscription to “Wolt+” for free
Society 18:00
Azercell offers its users a three-month subscription to “Wolt+” for free
Over 1,130 hectares cleared of mines in Azerbaijan's liberated lands last week
Society 16:30
Over 1,130 hectares cleared of mines in Azerbaijan's liberated lands last week
Azerbaijan signs land lease and state guarantee agreements with ACWA Power
Society 14:30
Azerbaijan signs land lease and state guarantee agreements with ACWA Power
Anews TV

Our official Youtube channel

Subscribe