Sickle cell anemia and hematopoietic cell transplantation: When is a pound of cure worth more than an ounce of prevention?

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is curative therapy for sickle cell anemia (SCA). However, its widespread use is constrained by donor availability and by concerns about its short-term and long-term toxicities. Current efforts to identify suitable candidates for HCT to decrease the toxicity of HCT, and to broaden its availability are discussed.