European researchers have found during a Phase 2 study that Revlimid (lenalidomide) produces an improved chromosomal response in High-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) patients. The results were presented today at the 51st annual American Society of Hematology (ASH) meeting.

Revlimid has already been used with Low- or Intermediate-1 risk MDS subtypes, especially those who require red blood cell transfusions or have del-5q, as it produces a high rate of transfusion independence and improved chromosomal abnormalities.

Patients with del-5q are missing the ‘q’ arm of chromosome 5.

Although the exact mechanism of…

Velcade (bortezomib) may have some efficacy in the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) according to Phase 2 study conducted by Italian researchers. The findings will be presented at the 51st Annual American Society of Hematology (ASH) meeting and exposition on December 5.

Velcade, a proteasome inhibitor, is an FDA-approved therapeutic agent for the treatment of multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma. It is currently being studied for the treatment of MDS.

The study included 10 MDS patients with a median age of 64 years. Velcade was…

Experts will discuss the latest research for various blood diseases, including myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), at the 51^st annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH).  The meeting will begin December 5 and run until December 8 in New Orleans.

The four-day exposition is an opportunity for blood disease specialists to share new research, network, and discuss the “next 50 years” of hematology.  A variety of presentations and posters will detail the latest advances in blood disease prevention, care, treatment, and survival.

There are many MDS seminars planned for the 2009…