The MDS Beacon™

Researchers Find Possible Gene Target for MDS Therapy - Researchers from the Van Andel Research Institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan, report that the gene RhoB plays an important role in the development of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).  They found, in particular, that MDS progresses more rapidly when levels of the protein produced by RhoB are low.  There is hope that examining RhoB levels in MDS advanced patients may help in the selection of the most appropriate treatments, and that future therapies will target this gene to prevent MDS progression.  For more details, please see the related press release.

FDA Advisory Committee Set to Review Ferriprox - (See important update immediately below) On October 6, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Oncology Drugs Advisory Committee (ODAC) will review the iron chelating agent Ferriprox (deferiprone) for possible marketing approval in the U.S.  Ferriprox is approved for sale in a number of countries outside of the U.S., and is used to treat iron overload in patients who require frequent blood transfusions.  The meeting will include presentations by Ferriprox manufacturer ApoPharma Inc. and the FDA staff as well as questions from the public.  The FDA usually follows the advice it receives from its advisory committees, but it is not required by law to do so.  For more information, please see the meeting’s draft agenda and the Ferriprox Web site (intended for non-U.S. visitors).

Update: The FDA has announced that the Ferrirprox review meeting has been cancelled “to allow time for the FDA to review and resolve several outstanding issues.”  The agency says that it intends to continue evaluating Ferriprox, and it will reschedule the ODAC meeting “as needed.”

Living With Myelodysplastic Syndromes One-Day Conference – The Moffitt Cancer Center  and the Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation (AA&MDSIF) are sponsoring a free opportunity to learn about the latest MDS diagnostic and treatment information, and ask questions of leading MDS researchers.  This one-day conference will be on Saturday, October 10, at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Breakfast and lunch are provided.  Space is limited, so please register by October 2.  For more information, please visit the AA&MDSIF Web site.

MDS Patient & Family Forum – Participate in a forum organized by the Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation on Tuesday, October 6, in Ontario, Canada.  Dr. Karen Yee from Princess Margaret Hospital will be providing information pertinent to MDS patients and their families.  Individuals must register by calling 1-800-MDS-0839 or emailing dmurray@mds-foundation.org.  For a listing of other upcoming U.S. and international forums, please see the MDS Foundation Web site.

For a more detailed listing of MDS-related events, please check the MDS Beacon Events Calendar.