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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced on its Web site today that it is investigating the safety of the drug Exjade (deferasirox) when prescribed to patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).  The investigation was initiated after an FDA data analysis found that MDS patients taking Exjade appear to have a higher risk of serious, often fatal, side effects.

Exjade is prescribed to MDS patients receiving blood transfusions to reduce the excess levels of iron that often occur as a result of transfusions.

The Beacon will cover this news in more detail in a later news…

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A newly published research review concludes that smoking is associated with an increased risk of developing myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).  The review also examines the potential impact of alcohol consumption on developing MDS, but finds no conclusive link between the two.

The review, carried out by researchers from the University of Pittsburgh, Amgen, the Cleveland Clinic, and SUNY Downstate, is a meta-analysis of data from ten independent studies carried out in Japan, Europe, and the United States.  The authors of the new review statistically combine the data from the ten previous…

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Potential MDS Drug To Resume Testing As Lymphoma Treatment– On September 21, MethylGene Inc. announced it would resume developing MGCD0103 (mocetinostat), a drug that has been shown to successfully treat various cancers.  A Phase 1/2 study has demonstrated that it can help treat myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myelogenous leukemia when administered in combination with Vidaza (azacitidine).  MGCD0103 was placed on a partial hold by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration due to concerns that the drug may increase the risk of certain heart conditions.  Enrollment for a Phase 2 study of patients with refractory follicular lymphoma is expected to resume as soon as possible.  For more information, please see the related press release. 

Emerging Therapies In Blood Cancer Educational Program – The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) will host a free educational program on emerging therapies in blood cancers, including myelodysplastic syndromes, at the John Jones Cancer Center in Morgantown, WV .  Participants are encouraged to bring any questions about clinical trials and advances in the field of blood cancer treatment, and participate in a group discussion.  The event will be held at the John Jones Cancer Center at the West Virginia University Hospital on Tuesday, September 29, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  For more information, please visit the LLS Web site or register online. 

Light the Night Walk – Join The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society on this special walk to raise funds for blood cancers.  Participants can literally light the night by carrying illuminated balloons, as part of a community that is bringing hope to the fight against blood cancers.  Participate on September 30 in Waterford, CT or October 1 in Dayton, OH.

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