New research supports the theory that myelodysplastic syndromes has its origins in bone marrow stem cells.

“We have experimentally demonstrated for the first time that [myelodysplastic syndromes] stem cells can transplant and initiate disease. That means that in order to cure the disease, we must target and eradicate this cell population,” said Dr. Christopher Park, the lead researcher on the study from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York.

Dr. Park explained that the findings will probably not have immediate implications for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) patients. However, he pointed out…

An oral formulation of Estybon shows activity and is safe in patients with myelo­dysplastic syndromes, according to results of a Phase 1 study.

The study investigators found that the optimal dose for oral Estybon was 560 mg twice daily for two weeks of a three-week treatment cycle. The most common observed side effects were problems involving urination, such as painful urination and blood in the urine.

The findings were presented during a poster session at the 2011 American Society of Hematology (ASH) meeting in December.

Estybon (rigosertib, ON 01910.Na)  is an…

Results of a recent clinical trial show that lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes patients treated with Nplate have fewer bleeding problems, require fewer platelet transfusions, and are more likely to have increased platelet counts than patients treated with a placebo.

However, the trial investigators also found transient increases in immature blood cell counts and a higher risk for progression to acute myeloid leukemia in patients treated with Nplate.

They therefore decided to discontinue treatment with Nplate.

The results of the trial also have been reflected in important warnings that have been added…

Preliminary results from two independent clinical trials indicate that panobinostat in combination with Vidaza may be effective and safe for higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes patients.

The studies were presented at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) annual meeting in San Diego this past December.

Panobinostat (LBH589), which is being developed by the pharmaceutical company Novartis (NYSE: NVS), belongs to a class of drugs known as histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors.  HDAC inhibitors work by increasing the production of proteins that slow cell division and cause cell death.

When used alone, panobinostat has…

Using tobacco products has a negative impact on the prognosis of patients with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes, according to a recent U. S. study. The study investigators did not observe this impact in higher-risk patients.

Based on their findings, the researchers concluded that tobacco use may influence the biology of the disease and suggested that lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) patients may improve their outcomes if they discontinue any tobacco use.

The study results were presented during a poster session at the 2011 American Society of Hematology meeting last month.

Previous studies…