Sickle cell disease overview

If you have sickle cell disease, Fred Hutch is here for you. 

From the first time you come to see us, your clinic team will begin getting to know you and your family. What are your questions? What are your concerns? 

We will also explain the treatment options for your specific situation. Before you leave, your team will make sure you understand the next steps.
 

How Does Fred Hutch Approach Treatment?

The safest, most effective and most widely accepted therapies for sickle cell disease are known as the “standard of care.” For many patients, these therapies will be a large part of their treatment. At Fred Hutch, we provide all standard therapies for this condition. We know how to choose the right ones for you and how to deliver them to give you the best chance at a full and active life.

Our doctors and researchers are always asking how we can make sickle cell disease treatments more effective and reduce side effects as much as possible. This is why we do clinical trials (also called clinical studies). Through these studies, we are able to offer you therapies that aren’t available everywhere. A therapy that is going through trials today may become the new standard of care tomorrow.

Along with treating your disease, a group of world-class professionals is here to support you. This team includes advanced practice providers, pain medicine specialists, pharmacists, nurses, dietitians, physical therapists, social workers and psychologists. We also include supportive care services for your physical, mental and emotional well-being. 
 

You are unique, and your care team will design a treatment plan specifically for — and with — you. At Fred Hutch, doctors with knowledge and experience in sickle cell disease will plan and provide your care.

Our doctors provide the full range of sickle cell disease treatments. Based on your exact case, your treatment may include medicines, like hydroxyurea, crizanlizumab, L-glutamine and voxelotor, and blood transfusions. For some patients, a blood or marrow transplant may be an important option. Your Fred Hutch team works to reduce your risk for painful episodes and make sure you get the care you need when you do have pain. We also help to deal with any other symptoms you have, maintain your health and prevent or manage complications.

As you go through treatment, your needs may change. Your care team at Fred Hutch is with you each step of the way. For example, we will help you deal with any side effects you have. We may suggest adding a new therapy that was just approved. To protect your health over the long term, we will keep seeing you for as long as you need us.

When someone close to you is living with sickle cell disease, you might step into the role of caregiver. Being a caregiver can mean many things, from lending a hand with daily living tasks to helping with medical decisions. It can also mean dealing with your own emotions and stress.

At Fred Hutch, caregivers are valuable members of a patient’s care team. We see every day that your presence and your support make a difference. We know that what your friend or family member is going through affects you, too.

Part of our mission is to help you take care of yourself. Caring for yourself is good for your own physical, mental and emotional health. It also helps you give your best to your loved one. Our social workers, Spiritual Health team and Patient and Family Resource Center staff are here to help support you.