The MDS Beacon™

One myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) patient has been reported to have fluid build up, known as effusion, in her lungs and in the area surrounding her heart after taking Dacogen (decitabine). It is the first reported case of effusion induced by the drug.

The sixty year old patient received Dacogen (20 mg/m² per day) for five days by intravenous injection. Following the therapy, the patient reported a skin rash, slow marrow recovery, and fatigue. She was admitted to the hospital one month post treatment due to neutropenic fever, a fever accompanied by other signs of infection due to an abnormally low white blood cell count. An x-ray confirmed fluid in her lugs and area surrounding the heart.

The fluid build up disappeared 14 weeks after the end of treatment with Dacogen.

Dacogen is approved for treating patients with intermediate or high-risk MDS. Previously reported side effects include liver dysfunction, aching bones, and decreased production of blood cells and platelets.

For more information, see the related letter in Leukemia Research, and be sure to check back for updated coverage as we gain further information about this story.