Research is underway at M Health Fairview to find better ways to treat and manage sickle cell disease. Current research is focused on the mechanisms of pain in sickle cell disease and pain management medication (like opioids, cannabinoids, and other evolving therapies).Alex Boucher, MD, is conducting studies to improve patient experiences for children and adults, especially at the transition point into adult care. The research and clinical care teams also regularly team up with other leading research institutions and pharmaceutical companies to provide patients and families with opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research if they choose.

A blood and marrow transplant has historically been the only option for curing the disease, and providers at M Health Fairview have led the country in advancing transplant care. This procedure replaces the cells that make your blood with healthy cells. The transplant procedure has risks of side effects and requires a second person as a donor, which has limited access. In recent years, gene therapy, which is a technique that modifies a patient's own blood cells to stop them from sickling, is transforming people's lives and is the leading area of research. Researchers here have been participating in these studies for years, and M Health Fairview has been the leading site in a 5-state region for providing gene therapy access for families. Ultimately, early diagnosis and regular preventive care are crucial for proper management of the disease.

M Health Fairview provides lifespan care and a patient and family centered comprehensive approach as a foundation. This means that families can get care from infancy through adulthood in the same medical system and that in addition to utilizing a regular team of doctor, advanced practice provider, nurse care coordinator, primary care, and social work, access to other specialists is all within the system and the focus is helping patients thrive as individuals overcoming sickle cell disease rather than being defined by it.