Long-term experience with deferasirox (ICL670), a once-daily oral iron chelator, in the treatment of transfusional iron overload.

University of Milan, Department of Internal Medicine, Policlinico Foundation IRCCS, Milan, Italy. maria.cappellini@unimi.it

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