India must tackle thalassemia with preventive screening and early bone marrow transplant: Cancer expert

The country needs a national thalassemia prevention program involving population screening, genetic counseling, and prenatal testing

BENGALURU / May 7, 2025: Ahead of the World Thalassemia Day, a leading blood cancer and haematology expert in Bengaluru has called for urgent, large-scale action to reduce the heavy burden of thalassemia in India, which is one of the countries with the highest number of patients living with this inherited blood disorder.

Said Dr. Radheshyam Naik, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Hematologist & Bone Marrow Transplant Physician, Sammprada Hospital, Bengaluru: “India bears the brunt of this disease with over 10,000 children born annually with thalassemia major. This is a preventable and manageable condition, yet due to lack of awareness and prompt treatment, we continue to see high rates of morbidity and premature death, especially in rural and semi-urban areas of India.”

He added: “The only effective cure for thalassemia is bone marrow transplant. Unfortunately, about half of all thalassemia major patients in India present themselves for treatment at a late stage, due to which mortality and morbidity remain high. Delaying a bone marrow transplant leads to severe complications and reduced survival. Untreated patients experience chronic anaemia, fatigue, organ dysfunction, and skeletal deformities. They are at increased risk of death from iron overload complications, especially heart failure and liver failure. Delaying transplant also increases the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, endocrine dysfunction, and certain cancers.”

Dr. Radheshyam Naik, who has been a major contributor in developing the field of haematology and bone marrow transplantation in Karnataka, highlighted the important role of preventive screening in managing the burden of thalassemia major. He said: “Preventive screening is a lifesaving strategy to reduce the burden of thalassemia major. Patients require lifelong blood transfusions, iron chelation therapy, and constant medical care. These treatments are expensive for families, many of whom come from lower-income backgrounds. With proper planning and policy, this burden is largely preventable.”

Dr. Radheshyam Naik added: “By identifying carriers early, we can break the chain of transmission and spare future generations from a life of chronic illness. Carrier screening involves a simple blood test. When done early, preferably in teenage or before marriage, it can identify individuals who carry the thalassemia trait. If two carriers marry, there is a 25% chance with each pregnancy that the child will have thalassemia major. If both partners are found to be carriers, they should be counseled on family planning and prenatal testing. In many countries like Cyprus and Iran, strong national screening programs have drastically reduced new cases of thalassemia. India can achieve the same.”