This series on “Adult Sickle Cell Disease” is edited by Dr. William B. Ershler and Dr. Sheinei Alan from Inova Schar Cancer, USA.

William B. Ershler, MD
Department of Hematology, Inova Schar Cancer Institute, Fairfax, Virginia, USA

Dr. Ershler is the former Director, the Inova Adult Sickle Cell Program in Fairfax Virginia, USA and remains as an Emeritus Consultant. He is also Emeritus Director of Classical Hematology at the Inova Schar Cancer Institute. Previously he was Senior Investigator, and Deputy Clinical Director, National Institute on Aging (NIH).

Dr. Ershler received his MD at the State University of New York, Upstate Medical University (Syracuse) and internal medicine residency, hematology and medical oncology fellowship at the University of Wisconsin. Thereafter, he was Assistant Professor at the University of Vermont, and Associate and Full Professor at the University of Wisconsin before moving to the NIH and then Inova.

Dr. Ershler is past editor of the Journal of Gerontology and Clinical Oncology Alerts. An active clinical investigator, Dr. Ershler’s current areas of research include exploring the pathogenesis and treatment of anemia, with an emphasis on sickle cell disorders and anemia in the elderly. He has served on numerous national committees including NIH study sections, VA Merit Review Boards and has authored over 330 scientific publications and edited five books.

Sheinei Alan, MD, PhD
Inova Adult Sickle Cell Program, Inova Schar Cancer, Fairfax, VA, USA

Dr. Sheinei Alan is the Director of the Inova Adult Sickle Cell Program in Fairfax, Virginia, the only dedicated adult sickle cell program in Northern Virginia. She also serves as an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. Dr. Alan earned her medical and post-doctoral degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University and completed her training in Internal Medicine at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. With a robust foundation as an MD/PhD specializing in hematopoiesis, immunology, and internal medicine, she has dedicated her career to advancing sickle cell disease (SCD) care and advocacy.

Dr. Alan’s combined expertise in science and clinical medicine has driven the growth and success of the Inova Adult Sickle Cell Program, resulting in significant improvements in patient outcomes, increased patient volume and initiation of numerous clinical trials. She leads various research initiatives, including Phase I and Phase II clinical trials, investigator-initiated studies, and the dissemination of findings through academic conferences and publications. Beyond her research efforts, Dr. Alan collaborates with leading SCD experts to develop guidelines and metrics for defining and grading adverse outcomes in SCD, with the goal of standardizing clinical trials and enhancing care delivery. She is also deeply committed to educating healthcare professionals within the Inova system—including hospitalists, emergency physicians, fellows, and medical residents—on best practices for standardized SCD care.

Dr. Alan’s dedication extends to the community, where she serves on the advisory board of a community-based SCD organization, organizes town halls, and advocates for greater awareness of SCD. Most notably, she recently hosted an in-person SCD town hall attended by over 200 stakeholders, including experts and government officials.

With a clear vision for the Inova Adult Sickle Cell Program, Dr. Alan strives to deliver comprehensive care, contribute to the development of advanced therapies, and lead impactful clinical research to address the critical needs of SCD patients in Northern Virginia.

Series outline

1. Introductory preface for the special series
2. Novel treatment options including gene therapy for sickle cell disease
3. Improving on haploidentical transplantation and bone marrow transplantation in end-stage renal disease
4. Pathogenies of anemia and its treatment including PKA and ESA in sickle cell disease
5. Pain management in sickle cell disease
6. Transfusion practices and complications in sickle cell disease
7. Iron overload and chelation therapy in sickle cell disease
8. Women’s health and sickle cell disease
9. Psychosocial impact and quality of life in patients with sickle cell disease
10. Transition from pediatric to adult care in sickle cell disease
11. Role of dedicated sickle cell centers and improving outcome in patients with sickle cell disease
12. Stroke in sickle cell disease
13. Importance of sickle cell registries and recognition of heterogeneity of disease in tailoring individualized approach to management

Disclosure:
The special series “Adult Sickle Cell Disease” was commissioned by the editorial office, Annals of Blood without any funding or sponsorship. Dr. William B. Ershler and Dr. Sheinei Alan are serving as the unpaid Guest Editors for the special series.