We are evaluating the role of a low dose of tocilizumab in treating acute chest syndrome in
patients with sickle cell disease. Tocilizumab inhibits interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptors and is
used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and severe cytokine release syndrome, which can be seen
with chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy, and it is also authorized for
treatment of COVID-19. Since IL-6 levels are elevated in the sputum of patients with acute
chest syndrome, we are hopeful that this will be an effective strategy. We will be looking at
how a low dose of tocilizumab affects oxygen status, clinical outcomes, and laboratory
markers in patients admitted to the hospital with acute chest syndrome.