title: Iron chelation therapy for transfusional iron overload: a swift evolution.
abstract: Chronic transfusional iron overload leads to significant morbidity and mortality. While deferoxamine (DFO) is an effective iron chelator with over four decades of experience, it requires tedious subcutaneous infusions that reflect negatively on patient compliance. The novel oral iron chelators deferiprone (L1) and deferasirox (DFRA) opened new horizons for the management of transfusional siderosis. A large body of evidence is now available regarding their efficacy and safety in various populations and settings. Nevertheless, experience with both drugs witnessed some drawbacks, and the search for an ideal and cost-effective iron chelator continues.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology-Oncology Division, American University of Beirut Medical Centre, Beirut, Lebanon.
authors.forename: Khaled M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Musallam
authors.forename: Ali T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Taher
mesh_terms: D001565:Benzoates / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015913:Chelation Therapy; D000077588:Deferasirox; D000077543:Deferiprone; D006801:Humans; D007502:Iron Chelating Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019190:Iron Overload / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D011728:Pyridones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D065227:Transfusion Reaction; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014230:Triazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D001565:Benzoates; D007502:Iron Chelating Agents; D011728:Pyridones; D014230:Triazoles; D000077543:Deferiprone; D000077588:Deferasirox