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Review
. 2010:2010:314-21.
doi: 10.1182/asheducation-2010.1.314.

How much? How frequent? How long? A clinical guide to new therapies in myelodysplastic syndromes

William Blum  1
Affiliations
Review

How much? How frequent? How long? A clinical guide to new therapies in myelodysplastic syndromes

William Blum. Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program. 2010.

Abstract

Advances in the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) over the last decade have given patients and their hematologists a multitude of treatment options. Therapeutic options now exist that reduce disease-related symptoms, improve quality of life, and alter the natural history of the disease. Three drugs are now specifically Food and Drug Administration-approved for treatment of MDS: (1) azacitidine, (2) decitabine, and (3) lenalidomide. Clinical results with each of these agents, plus results with immunosuppressive therapy, are reviewed to guide clinical decision making. Although each therapy has made a substantial impact in improving the care of patients with MDS, unfortunately MDS treatment in 2010 ultimately fails in most patients, but these therapies provide a foundation on which we can build to further improve outcomes.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosures

Conflict-of-interest disclosure: The author receives research funding from Celgene.

Off-label drug use: None declared.

References

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