Thalassemia is discussed comprehensively by the authors in this issue. Topics discussed include:

• the population genetics and dynamimcs of thalassemia
• alpha thalassemia
• HbE/beta thalassemia
• management of iron overload in thalassemia syndromes
• allogeneic cellular gene therapy for hemoglobinopathies
• cord blood transplantation for beta thalassemia major
• gene therapy for haemoglobin disorders