Sickle cell disease overview
You are at the center of everything we do at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. 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.
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.
Why choose Fred Hutch?
- 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 Fred Hutch, 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 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, we unite the leading researchers and hematologists of Fred Hutch and UW Medicine. 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.
Facts
Fred Hutch 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.
Treatment
At Fred Hutch, 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.
Providers
At Fred Hutch, 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.
Clinical trials
Fred Hutch was formed, in part, to bring promising new treatments to patients faster. For sickle cell patients, this means more treatment options than you might find elsewhere, including the chance to participate in one of many ongoing clinical trials conducted at Fred Hutch and UW Medicine.
Resources
There are many resources online for learning about your disease. Health educators at the Fred Hutch Patient and Family Resource Center have compiled a list of trusted sources to help you get started.