Long-term experience with deferasirox (ICL670), a once-daily oral iron chelator, in the treatment of transfusional iron overload.
BACKGROUND
Chronic iron overload from frequent blood transfusions to treat patients with severe anaemias leads to significant morbidity and mortality. While deferoxamine, the current standard of care, is an effective iron chelator, it requires subcutaneous infusion for 8-12 h/day, 5-7 days/week. This regimen is problematic and impacts significantly on patients' daily life.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of deferasirox, a once-daily oral iron chelator.


METHODS
To review the available data reported in peer-reviewed journals (using PubMed) and at medical conferences.


CONCLUSIONS
Deferasirox is effective in reducing or maintaining iron burden in patients with transfusion-dependent anaemias. As deferasirox is orally administered, the inconvenience of parenteral administration with deferasirox is avoided. Deferasirox improves patient satisfaction and is expected to improve compliance with iron chelation therapy.
Cappellini
M D
MD
University of Milan, Department of Internal Medicine, Policlinico Foundation IRCCS, Milan, Italy. maria.cappellini@unimi.it
Taher
A
A
D000284:Administration, Oral; D001565:Benzoates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D000077588:Deferasirox; D003676:Deferoxamine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007502:Iron Chelating Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019190:Iron Overload / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D065227:Transfusion Reaction; D014230:Triazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D001565:Benzoates; D007502:Iron Chelating Agents; D014230:Triazoles; D003676:Deferoxamine; D000077588:Deferasirox