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, and gene therapy for hemoglobin disorders.