Three recently completed data analyses shed new light on Dacogen and its effectiveness as a treatment for myelodysplastic syndromes patients.

The analyses show that treatment with Dacogen is more successful in patients who are transfusion independent, and that patients who experience low blood cell counts during their Dacogen treatment live longer than patients whose blood cell counts stay closer to normal levels.

In contrast, Dacogen treatment outcomes do not appear to depend on how many immature blood cells patients have. …

Results of a recent European study indicate that lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes patients with a deletion in chromosome 5 may be at an increased risk of progressing to acute myeloid leukemia if they show mutations in gene TP53 early during their disease. 

However, the study authors pointed out that further studies are needed to confirm their findings because their study was small and only a few patients had the specific mutation. 

Mutations in the TP53 gene, a gene that is involved…

The results of a recent European study indicate that older higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes patients respond positively to treatment with low-dose Dacogen in addition to best supportive care. 

Treatment with Dacogen improved progression-free survival, reduced the share of patients progressing to acute myeloid leukemia, and increased quality of life. 

The study authors suggested that further studies be conducted involving different Dacogen (decitabine) dosing schedules and combinations with other therapies. 

According to the study authors, stem cell transplantation and intensive chemotherapy are often not treatment options for…

Results of a recent study indicate that higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes patients who respond to Vidaza may benefit from continuation of treatment after achieving an initial response. 

The study authors stated that although some beneficial effects of Vidaza show up early in treatment, prolonged treatment is often required to achieve the best response.  

Dr.  Lewis Silverman, from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine and lead author of the study, explained in an e-mail to the MDS Beacon that after achieving an…