Medical Crossfire®: Strategies to Manage Transfusional Iron Overload in Patients with ß-hemoglobinopathies: Optimizing Patient Outcomes

Target Audience
This educational activity is directed toward hematologists and hematologist-oncologists, as well as pediatricians, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other clinicians involved in the management of patients with β-hemoglobinopathies.

Program Overview
The β-hemoglobinopathies, sickle-cell disease (SCD) and β-thalassemia, are the most common monogenic disorders worldwide. Despite improved medical supportive therapies, there still is significant long-term mortality and morbidity associated with these conditions. The vast majority of patients remain on lifelong blood transfusions. Chronic red blood cell transfusions can lead to iron overload, which can cause organ injury. Iron chelation therapy is the mainstay of treatment for the majority of patients, but compliance is suboptimal, particularly among adolescents and young adults. This educational initiative will address new and investigational therapies that show promise in improving patient outcomes and satisfaction for patients with β-hemoglobinopathies.

The Medical Crossfire™, one of PER’s signature educational formats, is a video-based program in which a panel of distinguished experts engage in spirted discussions and debates on a particular clinical topic. In this activity three key thought leaders explore the latest data regarding current and emerging therapeutic strategies for transfusional iron overload in patients with β-hemoglobinopathies. This lively discussion will help place new developments into clinical context to help you optimize care for your patients with β-hemoglobinopathies.

Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be better able to:

Describe the burden of disease associated with transfusional iron overload in patients with hemoglobinopathies
Diagnose transfusional iron overload in patients with hemoglobinopathies
Evaluate clinical trial data for new and emerging therapies for transfusional iron overload
Develop evidence-based management plans for patients with transfusional iron overload with a background of hemoglobinopathy