North America Regional Virtual Town Hall - Nov 10, 2025

ABOUT THE TOWN HALL

Join us on November 10 for an engaging Town Hall discussion on the real-world implementation of gene therapy for sickle cell disease (SCD). The session will be led by Dr. Hemalatha Rangarajan, leader of the gene therapy program for non-malignant disorders, who has also launched multiple clinical trials in transplant for SCD at Nationwide Children's Hospital (NCH). 

In her presentation "Gene Therapy for SCD: Navigating the Complexities of Real-World Implementation," Dr. Rangarajan will explore the rationale for expanding patient eligibility, key factors influencing commercial product selection (including institutional capabilities) and solutions to real-world challenges in apheresis and mobilization. She will also address ongoing controversies in supportive care, such as the role for adjunct therapies, gaps in care guidelines and emerging concerns in long-term follow-up.

Hosted by the ISCT North America Regional Leadership, this Town Hall is your opportunity to connect with the community, engage directly with CGT leaders and share your perspectives. Join us to ask questions, exchange ideas and help shape initiatives that support our regional members!

KEY LEARNING OBJECTIVES

  • Identify real-world challenges in implementing gene therapy for sickle cell disease. 
  • Discuss factors influencing product selection and clinical decision-making.
  • Address gaps in supportive care and long-term follow-up practices. 
  • Strengthen collaboration among clinicians, scientists and industry partners. 
  • Leverage ISCT's North America community to advance regional initiatives and member support. 
 GUEST SPEAKER

Hemalatha Rangarajan, MD
Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics
Division of BMT and Cellular Therapy
Nationwide Children’s Hospital
United States


Dr. Hemalatha Rangarajan is a Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Blood and Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) in Columbus, Ohio. Her clinical and research interests center on curative therapies for non-malignant disorders including sickle cell disease, adoptive immunotherapy for high-risk blood cancers, and the study of transplant-related complications in children and young adults.

At NCH, Dr. Rangarajan leads the gene therapy program for non-malignant disorders, and under her leadership, the hospital has launched several clinical trials in transplant and gene therapy for sickle cell disease. She is an active member of the Sickle Cell Transplant Advocacy and Research Alliance (STAR) and the Vanderbilt Global Consortium for Cure of Hemoglobin Disorders, both leading organizations dedicated to improving outcomes for patients with sickle cell disease.

Dr. Rangarajan is also a founding member of REGENT (Real-World Gene Therapy Consortium), a collaborative network advancing research and knowledge sharing on the use of gene therapy for non-malignant disorders. In addition, she serves on committees of the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy (ASTCT), the Pediatric Transplant and Cellular Therapy Consortium (PTCTC), the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR), the Children’s Oncology Group (COG) and the American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (ASPHO).