Chennai, April 22 -- Highlights:

* The cost and effectiveness of gene therapy was analyzed against hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT)

* The results indicate that while gene therapy was //more expensive, it was also a lot less complicated and more effective and safe

Gene therapy is safer and effective than hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for curing beta-thalassemia, reveals a new study.

Is there a Cure for Beta-thalassemia?

Till date, there is no genetic cure for a hereditary blood disorder, beta-thalassemia where the globin gene is defective and does not produce adequate hemoglobin for the body's needs. As a result, patients need to be on a lifelong regimen of monthly blood transfusions and iron chelation t...