Thalassemia care

At the Penn Comprehensive Adult Thalassemia Program, we provide uniquely specialized care for this red blood cell disorder. Whether you want a second opinion, haven’t seen an adult doctor in a while or need to transition from pediatric care, our experienced team can help.

Researcher holding blood vial in lab

Specialized care for adults with thalassemia

Adults with significant forms of thalassemia—including beta thalassemia major, beta thalassemia intermedia, hemoglobin H disease—often don’t get care in the most beneficial setting. Some don’t receive specialized care, while others go to pediatric thalassemia centers.

At Penn Medicine, we address this gap with one of the few thalassemia programs in the nation exclusively focused on the unique needs of adults with thalassemia. Our program provides you with access to a deeply knowledgeable team, with specialized expertise that draws people from across the nation.

Clinical trials

Clinical trials offer patients the opportunity to try new and effective treatments and take part in future research.

Second opinions

If you've received a diagnosis, our team of experts offers second opinions to grant you peace of mind.

Why choose Penn Medicine for thalassemia treatment?

We care for all forms of thalassemia and the related challenges that come with it. Our experts use comprehensive approaches shown by research to make the most difference. We also have experience working with the diverse populations affected by thalassemia.

When you come to our program for care, you can expect:

  • Expert medical team: Like other team members at Penn Hematology, our specialists bring a high degree of expertise. Our hematologists focus on red blood cell disorders—with expertise in problems with hemoglobin, the molecule tied to thalassemia. These leaders in adult thalassemia care are joined by experienced nurses and nurse practitioners.
  • Safe, effective transfusions: If you need transfusions, you can rely on our specialized expertise for severe, transfusion-dependent thalassemia. You can also count on a safe blood supply drawn from Penn Medicine’s world-class blood bank. Our team has extensive experience monitoring iron overload from transfusions and responding when needed. We use liver and cardiac MRI to watch for complications while providing a range of chelation therapy to remove iron.
  • Other leading treatments: In addition to transfusions, we offer newer medications and other emerging treatments, including those in clinical trials for thalassemia. Other research done at our program includes ways to improve quality of life for people with thalassemia.
  • Access to other specialists: Thalassemia and its treatment can cause challenges that go beyond your blood. Our thalassemia doctors work with other top specialists across Penn Medicine to protect your overall health. To address complications from anemia and transfusional iron overload, for example, we partner with cardiologists, endocrinologists, hepatologists, ophthalmologists, and other specialists.
  • Personal support: A nurse coordinator serves as your main contact, helping to arrange appointments and get answers to your questions. You have access to a psychologist and social workers focused on red blood cell disorders to address thalassemia’s impact on your life.
  • Help moving from pediatric programs: We can help arrange smooth transitions from pediatric care to our adult program. We partner with the Thalassemia Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). People who choose to move from CHOP to our program usually do so between the ages of 18 and 24.
  • Flexibility with care: We work around your needs. We’re happy to partner with doctors closer to your home to make sure you continue receiving the best care. Many people travel to us for an initial evaluation, then return to their local providers for transfusions. After the initial visit, our nurse coordinator helps arrange annual checkups and meetings with other specialists.

Schedule an appointment

We can help you schedule an appointment or you can search our directory of specialists.