Publisher's Synopsis
Iron-chelating drugs are used to protect patients with chronic, transfusion-dependent anemias from the harmful consequences of iron overload. This publication summarizes the experience with long-term iron-chelating therapy using the well-established agent desferrioxamine and the new, orally effective deferiprone in thalassemic patients. The development of new drugs is described, and new indications for iron-chelating therapy are evaluated. Through interference with ribonucleotide reductase and other iron-dependent enzymes iron chelators can prevent the proliferation of the malaria parasite and inhibit tumor growth. Other promising applications include their use in the prevention of free radical damage following hypoxia and of anthracycline cardiotoxicity. Authored by experts in the field, this compilation of current information will be useful for clinicians involved in the practical management of transfusional iron overload as well as investigators interested in modifying disease processes through the selective depletion of iron.
