Understanding long-term health risks after treatments for sickle cell disease
Official title: Clinical and genetic risk factors associated with adverse long-term health outcomes after curative therapies in individuals with sickle cell disease
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11045762 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different health and genetic factors affect the long-term well-being of people with sickle cell disease who have received treatments to cure it, so we can tailor future care to help everyone stay healthy for years to come.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2021 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $757,751 |
| NIH project number | 5U01HL156620-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11045762 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children and adults with sickle cell disease who have received or are considering curative therapies such as stem cell transplantation or gene therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been diagnosed with sickle cell disease or those who are not eligible for curative therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on identifying clinical and genetic factors that contribute to long-term health outcomes in individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) who have undergone curative therapies. By examining both children and adults, the study aims to personalize treatment approaches to maximize benefits while minimizing adverse effects. The research will involve active follow-up of patients to assess their health over time, particularly looking at complications that may arise years after treatment. This approach is inspired by lessons learned from pediatric oncology, where long-term survivorship issues were recognized after successful cures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies that enhance the quality of life and longevity for patients with sickle cell disease.
How similar studies have gone: Similar research in pediatric oncology has successfully highlighted the importance of long-term health monitoring after curative treatments, suggesting that this approach could also be beneficial for sickle cell disease.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Debaun, Michael R. — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Debaun, Michael R.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.