Sickle cell disease

Sickle cell disease overview

You are at the center of everything we do at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA). Here, we surround you with a team of specialists who work together closely to provide evidence-based, comprehensive and compassionate hematologic care.

We guide you every step of the way, combining our clinical expertise in treating adults who have sickle cell disease with a commitment to meet your unique needs.

Sickle cell disease An inherited disease in which the red blood cells have an abnormal crescent shape, block small blood vessels and do not last as long as normal red blood cells. An inherited disease in which the red blood cells have an abnormal crescent shape, block small blood vessels and do not last as long as normal red blood cells. Sickle cell disease is caused by a mutation (change) in one of the genes for hemoglobin, which is the substance inside red blood cells that binds to oxygen and carries it from the lungs to the tissues. It is most common in people of West and Central African descent. Also called sickle cell anemia.

Request an Appointment

Children with sickle cell are treated at Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic, part of Seattle Children’s. Read about childhood sickle cell disease on Seattle Children’s website.

Seattle Children's Sickle Cell Program

Why choose SCCA?

Experienced sickle cell specialists
Many health care providers in the community have limited experience treating adults with sickle cell disease. More than half of doctors say they have no patients with this condition and they are uncomfortable managing the acute and chronic pain associated with the disease.¹ At SCCA, you receive state-of-the-art care from some of the world’s leading hematologists, who have the training and experience to meet your needs.
Comprehensive sickle cell treatment
Our doctors provide the full spectrum of treatments sickle cell disease may require. Based on your unique situation, this may include hydroxyurea, red blood cell transfusions, pain medications and careful consideration of bone marrow transplant. Your care providers work with you to address your symptoms, maintain your health and prevent or manage disease-related complications.
Bone marrow transplant for sickle cell disease
The Fred Hutch Bone Marrow Transplant Program at SCCA consistently achieves higher-than-expected transplant survival rates. We pioneered bone marrow transplants and have performed more than any other institution in the world. For sickle cell disease, a bone marrow transplant currently provides the only hope for a cure.
Sickle cell research
To give you access to the most innovative care, SCCA unites the leading researchers and hematologists of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, UW Medicine and Seattle Children’s. We conduct clinical studies on bone marrow transplantation for sickle cell and are working to open new studies here so you can access other promising options that are not available everywhere.
NCI comprehensive cancer center
We are a comprehensive cancer center, a designation from the National Cancer Institute that reflects our scientific leadership and the depth and breadth of our research to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. Our doctors and scientists bring the same commitment to nonmalignant blood disorders, like sickle cell disease.

1. ASH Sickle Cell Disease Initiative Fund, American Society of Hematology.

Benign Not cancer. Benign tumors may grow larger but do not spread to other parts of the body. Bone marrow The soft, spongy material in the center of your bones that produces all your blood cells, such as white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. Bone marrow transplant The process of treating disease with high doses of chemotherapy, radiation therapy or both. Bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cells are given after treatment to help the body make more blood cells. The process of treating disease with high doses of chemotherapy, radiation therapy or both. Because this treatment destroys the bone marrow’s ability to produce blood cells, bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cells are given after treatment to help the body make more blood cells. Clinical trial A type of research study that tests how well new medical approaches work in people. These studies test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis or treatment of a disease. Hematologist A physician who specializes in diseases of the blood and blood-forming tissues. Red blood cell A type of blood cell that carries oxygen in the body. Sickle cell disease An inherited disease in which the red blood cells have an abnormal crescent shape, block small blood vessels and do not last as long as normal red blood cells. An inherited disease in which the red blood cells have an abnormal crescent shape, block small blood vessels and do not last as long as normal red blood cells. Sickle cell disease is caused by a mutation (change) in one of the genes for hemoglobin, which is the substance inside red blood cells that binds to oxygen and carries it from the lungs to the tissues. It is most common in people of West and Central African descent. Also called sickle cell anemia. Symptom A physical or mental problem that a person experiences that may indicate a disease or condition. Symptoms cannot be seen and do not show up on medical tests. A physical or mental problem that a person experiences that may indicate a disease or condition. Symptoms cannot be seen and do not show up on medical tests. Some examples of symptoms are headache, fatigue, nausea and pain.

Facts

SCCA offers comprehensive treatment for adults with sickle cell disease from a team of experts. Children with sickle cell are treated at Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic, part of Seattle Children’s.

Sickle Cell Disease Facts

Treatment

At SCCA, our world-class experts provide comprehensive treatment for people with sickle cell disease. Living with sickle cell can feel overwhelming at times. We have an experienced, compassionate team ready to help.

Treatment for Sickle Cell Disease

Providers

At SCCA, you receive care from a team of providers with extensive experience in your disease. Your team includes physicians, a patient care coordinator, a registered nurse, an advanced practice provider and others, based on your needs. You also have access to experts like nutritionists, social workers, acupuncturists, psychiatrists and more who specialize in supporting people with cancer or blood disorders.

View Sickle Cell Disease Providers

Clinical trials

SCCA was formed, in part, to bring promising new treatments to patients faster. For sickle cell patients, this means more treatment options at SCCA than you might find elsewhere, including the chance to participate in one of many ongoing clinical trials conducted at SCCA and its partner organizations, Fred Hutch and UW Medicine.

Clinical trial A type of research study that tests how well new medical approaches work in people. These studies test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis or treatment of a disease.

View Sickle Cell Disease Clinical Trials

Resources

There are many resources online for learning about your disease. Health educators at the SCCA Patient and Family Resource Center have compiled a list of trusted sources to help you get started.

View Sickle Cell Disease Resources

Next Up: Facts