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Kewan T, Stahl M, Bewersdorf JP, Zeidan AM. Treatment of Myelodysplastic Syndromes for Older Patients: Current State of Science, Challenges, and Opportunities. Curr Hematol Malig Rep 2024; 19:138-150. [PMID: 38632155 DOI: 10.1007/s11899-024-00733-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Myelodysplastic syndromes/neoplasms (MDS) represent a diverse group of pathologically distinct diseases with varying prognoses and risks of leukemia progression. This review aims to discuss current treatment options for elderly patients with MDS, focusing on patients ineligible for intensive chemotherapy or allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The challenges associated with treatment in this population and emerging therapeutic prospects are also explored. RECENT FINDINGS Recent advancements in molecular diagnostics have enhanced risk stratification by incorporating genetic mutations, notably through the molecular International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-M). Lower-risk MDS (LR-MDS) treatment ranges from observation to supportive measures and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs), with emerging therapies like luspatercept showing promise. High-risk MDS (HR-MDS) is treated with hypomethylating agents (HMAs) or allogenic HSCT, but outcomes remain poor. Elderly MDS patients, often diagnosed after 70, pose challenges in treatment decision-making. The IPSS-M aids risk stratification, guiding therapeutic choices. For LR-MDS, supportive care, ESAs, and novel agents like luspatercept are considered. Treatment of HR-MDS involves HMAs or allogenic HSCT. Emerging treatments, including oral HMAs and novel agents targeting FLT3, and IDH 1/2 mutations, show promise. Future research should refine treatment strategies for this elderly population focusing on quality-of-life improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tariq Kewan
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, and Yale Comprehensive Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Maximillian Stahl
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jan Philipp Bewersdorf
- Department of Medicine, Leukemia Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Amer M Zeidan
- Section of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, and Yale Comprehensive Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Kasprzak A, Andresen J, Nachtkamp K, Kündgen A, Schulz F, Strupp C, Kobbe G, MacKenzie C, Timm J, Dietrich S, Gattermann N, Germing U. Infectious Complications in Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndromes: A Report from the Düsseldorf MDS Registry. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:808. [PMID: 38398198 PMCID: PMC10887010 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite notable advancements in infection prevention and treatment, individuals with hematologic malignancies still face the persistent threat of frequent and life-threatening complications. Those undergoing chemotherapy or other disease-modifying therapies are particularly vulnerable to developing infectious complications, increasing the risk of mortality. Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) predominantly affect the elderly, with the incidence rising with age and peaking at around 70 years. Patients with MDS commonly present with unexplained low blood-cell counts, primarily anemia, and often experience varying degrees of neutropenia as the disease progresses. In our subsequent retrospective study involving 1593 patients from the Düsseldorf MDS Registry, we aimed at outlining the incidence of infections in MDS patients and identifying factors contributing to heightened susceptibility to infectious complications in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika Kasprzak
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Clinical Immunology, Heinrich-Heine University, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany (A.K.); (G.K.); (N.G.); (U.G.)
| | - Julia Andresen
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Clinical Immunology, Heinrich-Heine University, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany (A.K.); (G.K.); (N.G.); (U.G.)
| | - Kathrin Nachtkamp
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Clinical Immunology, Heinrich-Heine University, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany (A.K.); (G.K.); (N.G.); (U.G.)
| | - Andrea Kündgen
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Clinical Immunology, Heinrich-Heine University, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany (A.K.); (G.K.); (N.G.); (U.G.)
| | - Felicitas Schulz
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Clinical Immunology, Heinrich-Heine University, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany (A.K.); (G.K.); (N.G.); (U.G.)
| | - Corinna Strupp
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Clinical Immunology, Heinrich-Heine University, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany (A.K.); (G.K.); (N.G.); (U.G.)
| | - Guido Kobbe
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Clinical Immunology, Heinrich-Heine University, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany (A.K.); (G.K.); (N.G.); (U.G.)
| | - Colin MacKenzie
- Institute of Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene, University Hospital Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Jörg Timm
- Institute of Virology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sascha Dietrich
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Clinical Immunology, Heinrich-Heine University, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany (A.K.); (G.K.); (N.G.); (U.G.)
| | - Norbert Gattermann
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Clinical Immunology, Heinrich-Heine University, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany (A.K.); (G.K.); (N.G.); (U.G.)
| | - Ulrich Germing
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Clinical Immunology, Heinrich-Heine University, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany (A.K.); (G.K.); (N.G.); (U.G.)
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Loukidis K, Tschopp M. Long-term hematologic response after azacitidine treatment in a lower-risk myelodysplastic syndrome patient: A case report. Leuk Res Rep 2024; 21:100412. [PMID: 38292515 PMCID: PMC10825634 DOI: 10.1016/j.lrr.2024.100412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
We report results of a 65-year-old patient with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndrome and multilineage dysplasia treated with hypomethylating agents. After failure of erythropoietin and thalidomide, the patient received azacitidine and achieved hematological remission for 95 months. In 2016, the treatment was switched to decitabine with promising results. These data showed that azacitidine used as a third-line treatment resulted in an exceptionally long-lasting positive hematological response after standard first- and second-line therapies had failed. Additionally, the patient experienced a good quality of life with no complications related to profound cytopenia, and continues to do so at the time of this report's preparation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marcel Tschopp
- Rheuma Schaffhausen, Privatklinik Belair, Schaffhausen, Switzerland
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Abstract
VEXAS (vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic) syndrome is a newly defined refractory adult-onset autoinflammatory syndrome caused by somatic mutations in the ubiquitin-like modifier-activating enzyme 1 (UBA1) gene in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, resulting in a shift in UBA1 isoform expression. Thus, patients develop a spectrum of systemic inflammatory manifestations and hematologic symptoms. To date, patients respond poorly to immune suppressive drugs, except high-dose glucocorticoids, and no treatment guidelines have been established. Given the high mortality rate, VEXAS syndrome needs to be taken seriously by physicians in all specialties. This article aims to describe the key features, pathogenesis, and clinical manifestations of VEXAS syndrome to better understand the targeted treatment and improve the prognosis of VEXAS syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- Department of Hematology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xifeng Dong
- Department of Hematology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Huaquan Wang
- Department of Hematology, General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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Yamaoka K, Fujiwara M, Uchida M, Uesawa Y, Muroi N, Shimizu T. Adverse Event Profile of Azacitidine: Analysis by Route of Administration Using Japanese Pharmacovigilance Database. Oncology 2023; 101:664-674. [PMID: 37279701 DOI: 10.1159/000531390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Azacitidine is a useful drug for myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia. In clinical trials, hematologic toxicity and infection have been observed as adverse events (AEs) of this drug. However, information on the time to onset of high risk AEs and subsequent outcomes, as well as differences in the frequency of AEs due to the route of administration is lacking. In this study, we investigated azacitidine-induced AEs comprehensively using the Japanese Adverse Event Reporting Database (JADER) published by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, with disproportionate analysis of AE incidence trends, time to onset, and subsequent outcomes. In addition, we analyzed the differences in AEs by route of administration and the number of days until the occurrence of AEs and generated hypotheses. METHODS The study used JADER data reported from April 2004 to June 2022. Risk estimation was conducted using reported odds ratio. A signal was detected when the lower limit of the 95% confidence interval of the calculated ROR was ≥1. RESULTS A total of 34 signals were detected as AEs due to azacitidine. Among them, 15 were hematologic toxicities and 10 were infections, which demonstrated a particularly high rate of death. Signals of AEs such as tumor lysis syndrome (TLS) and cardiac failure, which have been described in case reports, were also detected, and the rate of death after onset was high. In addition, more AEs generally occurred within the first month of treatment. CONCLUSION The results of this study suggest that more attention should be paid to cardiac failure, hematologic toxicity, infection, and TLS. Because many patients in clinical trials have discontinued treatment due to serious AEs before the therapeutic effect became apparent, appropriate supportive care, dose reduction, and drug withdrawal are important for the continuation of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenta Yamaoka
- Department of Pharmacy, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Kobe, Japan
- School of Pharmacy, Hyogo Medical University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Masaki Fujiwara
- Department of Pharmacy, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Kobe, Japan
- School of Pharmacy, Hyogo Medical University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Mayako Uchida
- Department of Education and Research Center for Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts, Kyotanabe, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Uesawa
- Department of Medical Molecular Informatics, Meiji Pharmaceutical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Muroi
- Department of Pharmacy, Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital, Kobe, Japan
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Jiang M, Chen M, Liu Q, Jin Z, Yang X, Zhang W. SF3B1 mutations in myelodysplastic syndromes: A potential therapeutic target for modulating the entire disease process. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1116438. [PMID: 37007111 PMCID: PMC10063959 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1116438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are clonal hematologic malignancies characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis and dysplasia of the myeloid cell lineage and are characterized by peripheral blood cytopenia and an increased risk of transformation to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Approximately half of the patients with MDS have somatic mutations in the spliceosome gene. Splicing Factor 3B Subunit 1A (SF3B1), the most frequently occurring splicing factor mutation in MDS is significantly associated with the MDS-RS subtype. SF3B1 mutations are intimately involved in the MDS regulation of various pathophysiological processes, including impaired erythropoiesis, dysregulated iron metabolism homeostasis, hyperinflammatory features, and R-loop accumulation. In the fifth edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) classification criteria for MDS, MDS with SF3B1 mutations has been classified as an independent subtype, which plays a crucial role in identifying the disease phenotype, promoting tumor development, determining clinical features, and influencing tumor prognosis. Given that SF3B1 has demonstrated therapeutic vulnerability both in early MDS drivers and downstream events, therapy based on spliceosome-associated mutations is considered a novel strategy worth exploring in the future.
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Brunner AM, Leitch HA, van de Loosdrecht AA, Bonadies N. Management of patients with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes. Blood Cancer J 2022; 12:166. [PMID: 36517487 PMCID: PMC9751093 DOI: 10.1038/s41408-022-00765-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a heterogeneous group of hematopoietic stem cell disorders characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis with abnormal blood cell development (dysplasia) leading to cytopenias and an increased risk for progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Patients with MDS can generally be classified as lower- (LR-MDS) or higher-risk (HR-MDS). As treatment goals for patients with LR-MDS and those with HR-MDS differ significantly, appropriate diagnosis, classification, and follow-up are critical for correct disease management. In this review, we focus on the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options, as well as the prediction of the disease course and monitoring of treatment response in patients with LR-MDS. We discuss how next-generation sequencing, increasing knowledge on mechanisms of MDS pathogenesis, and novel therapies may change the current treatment landscape in LR-MDS and why structured assessments of responses, toxicities, and patient-reported outcomes should be incorporated into routine clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Heather A Leitch
- Hematology, St. Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Arjan A van de Loosdrecht
- Department of Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Nicolas Bonadies
- Department of Hematology and Central Hematology Laboratory, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a family of myeloid cancers with diverse genotypes and phenotypes characterized by ineffective haematopoiesis and risk of transformation to acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). Some epidemiological data indicate that MDS incidence is increasing in resource-rich regions but this is controversial. Most MDS cases are caused by randomly acquired somatic mutations. In some patients, the phenotype and/or genotype of MDS overlaps with that of bone marrow failure disorders such as aplastic anaemia, paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) and AML. Prognostic systems, such as the revised International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-R), provide reasonably accurate predictions of survival at the population level. Therapeutic goals in individuals with lower-risk MDS include improving quality of life and minimizing erythrocyte and platelet transfusions. Therapeutic goals in people with higher-risk MDS include decreasing the risk of AML transformation and prolonging survival. Haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) can cure MDS, yet fewer than 10% of affected individuals receive this treatment. However, how, when and in which patients with HCT for MDS should be performed remains controversial, with some studies suggesting HCT is preferred in some individuals with higher-risk MDS. Advances in the understanding of MDS biology offer the prospect of new therapeutic approaches.
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Bejar R. Can Lower-Risk MDS Achieve High Reward with Hypomethylating Agent Therapy? NEJM EVIDENCE 2022; 1:EVIDe2200165. [PMID: 38319862 DOI: 10.1056/evide2200165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Therapeutic options for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are highly risk stratified, with more toxic treatments reserved for patients at higher risk and more supportive approaches favored for those with lower-risk disease.1,2 The hypomethylating agents azacitidine (AZA) and decitabine (DEC) are recommended as first-line therapy for higher-risk MDS; for lower-risk disease, the focus is primarily on treating symptomatic anemia with hematopoietic growth factors, luspatercept, or lenalidomide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Bejar
- Moores Cancer Center at UC San Diego Health, La Jolla, CA
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10
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Abstract
IMPORTANCE Myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS), formerly known as myelodysplastic syndromes, are clonal hematopoietic malignancies that cause morphologic bone marrow dysplasia along with anemia, neutropenia, or thrombocytopenia. MDS are associated with an increased risk of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The yearly incidence of MDS is approximately 4 per 100 000 people in the United States and is higher among patients with advanced age. OBSERVATIONS MDS are characterized by reduced numbers of peripheral blood cells, an increased risk of acute myeloid leukemia transformation, and reduced survival. The median age at diagnosis is approximately 70 years, and the yearly incidence rate increases to 25 per 100 000 in people aged 65 years and older. Risk factors associated with MDS include older age and prior exposures to toxins such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. MDS are more common in men compared with women (with yearly incidence rates of approximately 5.4 vs 2.9 per 100 000). MDS typically has an insidious presentation, consisting of signs and symptoms associated with anemia, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia. MDS can be categorized into subtypes that are associated with lower or higher risk for acute myeloid leukemia transformation and that help with therapy selection. Patients with lower-risk MDS have a median survival of approximately 3 to 10 years, whereas patients with higher-risk disease have a median survival of less than 3 years. Therapy for lower-risk MDS is selected based on whether the primary clinical characteristic is anemia, thrombocytopenia, or neutropenia. Management focuses on treating symptoms and reducing the number of required transfusions in patients with low-risk disease. For patients with lower-risk MDS, erythropoiesis stimulating agents, such as recombinant humanized erythropoietin or the longer-acting erythropoietin, darbepoetin alfa, can improve anemia in 15% to 40% of patients for a median of 8 to 23 months. For those with higher-risk MDS, hypomethylating agents such as azacitidine, decitabine, or decitabine/cedazuridine are first-line therapy. Hematopoietic cell transplantation is considered for higher-risk patients and represents the only potential cure. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE MDS are diagnosed in approximately 4 per 100 000 people in the United States and are associated with a 5-year survival rate of approximately 37%. Treatments are tailored to the patient's disease characteristics and comorbidities and range from supportive care with or without erythropoiesis-stimulating agents for patients with low-risk MDS to hypomethylating agents, such as azacitidine or decitabine, for patients with higher-risk MDS. Hematopoietic cell transplantation is potentially curative and should be considered for patients with higher-risk MDS at the time of diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikkael A Sekeres
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Justin Taylor
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
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Brunner AM, Fell G, Steensma DP. Historical expectations with DNA methyltransferase inhibitor monotherapy in MDS: when is combination therapy truly "promising"? Blood Adv 2022; 6:2854-2866. [PMID: 35143613 PMCID: PMC9092413 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2021006357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTIs) for patients with higher risk myelodysplastic syndromes (HR-MDS) have low complete remission rates and are not curative. Early DNMTI combination clinical trials in HR-MDS are often termed "promising," but many randomized trials subsequently failed to show benefit. Clearer understanding of when a combination is likely to improve upon DNMTI monotherapy would inform randomized studies. We reviewed MDS azacitidine or decitabine monotherapy studies. We collected baseline demographics including International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) risk, DNMTI, disease characteristics; and response variables including survival and marrow and hematologic responses. Aggregate estimates across studies were calculated using meta-analyses techniques. Using a binomial design, we estimated the necessary operating characteristics to design a phase 2 study showing improved efficacy of a combination over monotherapy. Among 1908 patients, the overall response rate (ORR) was 24% (n = 464; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.22-0.26): 267 complete response (CR, 14%), 68 partial response (4%), and 129 marrow complete remission (7%). Among 1604 patients for whom a hematologic response was reported, 476 (30%; 95% CI, 0.27-0.32) reported hematologic improvement (HI). More patients treated with azacitidine achieved HI (38%; 95% CI, 0.35-0.41) compared with decitabine (15%; 95% CI, 0.13-0.19), whereas the marrow ORR rate was higher with decitabine (29%; 95% CI, 0.26-0.33) compared with azacitidine (21%; 95% CI, 0.19-0.23). CR rates were similar between DNMTIs: 13% with azacitidine and 16% with decitabine. Variables that influence MDS response include the specific DNMTI backbone and the distribution of IPSS risk of patients enrolled on a trial. Considering these factors can help identify which early combination approaches are worth assessing in larger randomized trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Brunner
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Geoffrey Fell
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA; and
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Heiblig M, Patel BA, Groarke EM, Bourbon E, Sujobert P. Toward a pathophysiology inspired treatment of VEXAS syndrome. Semin Hematol 2021; 58:239-246. [PMID: 34802546 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
VEXAS syndrome has an unmet need for therapeutic interventions. Even if few data exist regarding the treatment of this newly described syndrome, different options can be proposed given the unique pathophysiological consequences of the clonal dominance of UBA1 mutated hematopoietic stem cells. To date, allogeneic transplantation is the only curative option, but many questions remain regarding the selection of eligible patients, the conditioning regimen or management of toxicities that may be unique to VEXAS patients. Alternatively, drugs used in myelodysplastic syndrome such as hypomethylating agents or lenalidomide are interesting candidates, which could theoretically have also an effect on the clone. Another strategy is to target the inflammatory cascade, by inhibiting proinflammatory cytokines (such as TNFα, IL1, IL6) or effector cells, for example with JAK inhibitors. Whatever the choice of treatment for VEXAS patients, supportive care is always needed to be considered to manage frequent complications such as cytopenia, thrombosis and infections. Finally, we discuss the challenges of the design of clinical trials for VEXAS patients, from inclusion criteria to clinical and biological endpoints of activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maël Heiblig
- Hospices Civils de Lyon. Hôpital Lyon Sud. Service d'hématologie clinique, Lyon, France
| | - Bhavisha A Patel
- Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institutes (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Emma M Groarke
- Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institutes (NHLBI), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Estelle Bourbon
- Hospices Civils de Lyon. Hôpital Lyon Sud. Service d'hématologie biologique
| | - Pierre Sujobert
- Hospices Civils de Lyon. Hôpital Lyon Sud. Service d'hématologie biologique.
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13
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Palacios-Berraquero ML, Alfonso-Piérola A. Current Therapy of the Patients with MDS: Walking towards Personalized Therapy. J Clin Med 2021; 10:2107. [PMID: 34068316 PMCID: PMC8153316 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10102107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis, dysplasia and peripheral cytopenias. Nowadays, MDS therapy is selected based on risk. The goals of therapy are different in low-risk and high-risk patients. In low-risk MDS, the goal is to decrease transfusion needs and to increase the quality of life. Currently, available drugs for newly diagnosed low-risk MDS include growth factor support, lenalidomide and immunosuppressive therapy. Additionally, luspatercept has recently been added to treat patients with MDS with ring sideroblasts, who are not candidates or have lost the response to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. Treatment of high-risk patients is aimed to improve survival. To date, the only currently approved treatments are hypomethylating agents and allogeneic stem cell transplantation. However, the future for MDS patients is promising. In recent years, we are witnessing the emergence of multiple treatment combinations based on hypomethylating agents (pevonedistat, magrolimab, eprenetapopt, venetoclax) that have proven to be effective in MDS, even those with high-risk factors. Furthermore, the approval in the US of an oral hypomethylating agent opens the door to exclusively oral combinations for these patients and their consequent impact on the quality of life of these patients. Relapsed and refractory patients remain an unmet clinical need. We need more drugs and clinical trials for this profile of patients who have a dismal prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Alfonso-Piérola
- Hematology and Hemotherapy Department, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain;
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14
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Wang X, Zeidan AM, Wang R, Bewersdorf JP, Zhang C, Podoltsev NA, Huntington SF, Gore SD, Ma X. Clinical effectiveness of DNA methyltransferase inhibitors and lenalidomide in older patients with refractory anemia with ring sideroblasts: a population-based study in the United States. Leuk Lymphoma 2021; 62:2438-2447. [PMID: 33899659 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2021.1913142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Existing studies regarding the role of DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTi) and lenalidomide in refractory anemia with ring sideroblasts (RARS) are limited. Using the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results-medicare database, we assembled a population-based cohort of older adults diagnosed with non-del(5q) lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes during 2007-2015. Of 2167 patients, 30% had RARS. About 16% of RARS and non- ring sideroblasts (RS) patients received DNMTi. RARS patients were more likely to receive lenalidomide (11.1% vs. 7.1%, p < 0.01). Among patients who were transfusion-dependent at treatment initiation, 55.6% of those treated with DNMTi only and 42.5% treated with lenalidomide only achieved red blood cell transfusion independence (RBC-TI) for a median duration of 21 and 12 weeks, respectively. RS status did not impact rate of RBC-TI. RARS patients had a significantly better survival, and the median survival of RARS patients varied by treatment group. In this population-based study of older RARS patients, DNMTi and lenalidomide were clinically active.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyi Wang
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Amer M Zeidan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Hematology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.,Yale Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy, and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jan P Bewersdorf
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Hematology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nikolai A Podoltsev
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Hematology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Yale Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy, and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Scott F Huntington
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Hematology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Yale Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy, and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Steven D Gore
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Hematology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Xiaomei Ma
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.,Yale Cancer Outcomes, Public Policy, and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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15
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Wan Z, Han B. High-dose regimens of hypomethylating agents promote transfusion independence in IPSS lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes: a meta-analysis of prospective studies. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:11120-11134. [PMID: 33818418 PMCID: PMC8109092 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
The hypomethylating agents (HMAs) azacytidine (AZA) and decitabine (DAC) are usually administered after the failure of erythropoietin-stimulating agents for lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (LR-MDS). However, it is unclear whether one of these HMAs has superior efficacy and safety. This was investigated in the present study by means of a meta-analysis of prospective studies published between January 1990 and July 2020 in PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases; 19 studies with 1076 patients were included in the final analysis. The transfusion independence (TI) rate (66.7% [95% confidence interval: 41.7%-87.4%]) was higher with AZA 75 mg/m2/day for 7 days than with other regimens (all p<0.025). The proportion of patients with intermediate-1 risk influenced overall survival (p<0.05). There were no differences in treatment response, survival, and adverse event rates between patients treated with AZA (75 mg/m2/day for 5 days) and DAC (20 mg/m2/day for 3 days), although the latter group had a higher rate of grade 3/4 anemia (15.8% vs 0.0%; p<0.0001) and lower rate of diarrhea/constipation (6.9% vs 25.0%; p=0.002). Thus, both HMAs at high doses achieved reasonable response and TI rates with acceptable side effects, but did not prolong the overall survival in LR-MDS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqi Wan
- Department of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, China
| | - Bing Han
- Department of Hematology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science, China
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16
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Fenaux P, Haase D, Santini V, Sanz GF, Platzbecker U, Mey U. Myelodysplastic syndromes: ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up †☆. Ann Oncol 2021; 32:142-156. [PMID: 33221366 DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- P Fenaux
- Service d'Hématologie Clinique, Groupe Francophone des Myélodysplasies (GFM), Department of Hematology, Hôpital St. Louis (Assistance Publique, Hôpitaux de Paris), Paris, France; Paris 7 University, Paris, France
| | - D Haase
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center, Göttingen, Germany
| | - V Santini
- MDS Unit, Haematology, AOU Careggi, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - G F Sanz
- Department of Haematology, Hospital Universitario La Fe, Valencia, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer, CIBERONC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - U Platzbecker
- Department of Hematology and Cellular Therapy, Medical Clinic and Policlinic 1, University Hospital Leipzig, Germany
| | - U Mey
- Department of Oncology and Haematology, Kantonsspital Graubuenden, Chur, Switzerland
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17
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Feld J, Navada SC, Silverman LR. Myelo-deception: Luspatercept & TGF-Beta ligand traps in myeloid diseases & anemia. Leuk Res 2020; 97:106430. [PMID: 32763582 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2020.106430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) encompass a clinically heterogenous group of diseases defined by a clonal bone marrow failure state. Patients with lower-risk MDS primarily suffer from the consequences of anemia, with a subset having increased risks of bleeding and infection. There are few good therapeutic options for this patient population, as patients are dependent on cytokine support to improve hematopoiesis. Our review will discuss luspatercept, a transforming growth factor (TGF)-Beta ligand trap, the first new Food & Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatment in MDS in over a decade. We will explore the different TGF-Beta ligand traps that have been developed for a number of diseases, with a focus on myeloid malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Feld
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1079, New York, NY, 10029, United States.
| | - Shyamala C Navada
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1079, New York, NY, 10029, United States.
| | - Lewis R Silverman
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, Box 1079, New York, NY, 10029, United States.
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18
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Hellström-Lindberg E, Tobiasson M, Greenberg P. Myelodysplastic syndromes: moving towards personalized management. Haematologica 2020; 105:1765-1779. [PMID: 32439724 PMCID: PMC7327628 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2020.248955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) share their origin in the hematopoietic stem cell but have otherwise very heterogeneous biological and genetic characteristics. Clinical features are dominated by cytopenia and a substantial risk for progression to acute myeloid leukemia. According to the World Health Organization, MDS is defined by cytopenia, bone marrow dysplasia and certain karyotypic abnormalities. The understanding of disease pathogenesis has undergone major development with the implementation of next-generation sequencing and a closer integration of morphology, cytogenetics and molecular genetics is currently paving the way for improved classification and prognostication. True precision medicine is still in the future for MDS and the development of novel therapeutic compounds with a propensity to markedly change patients' outcome lags behind that for many other blood cancers. Treatment of higher-risk MDS is dominated by monotherapy with hypomethylating agents but novel combinations are currently being evaluated in clinical trials. Agents that stimulate erythropoiesis continue to be first-line treatment for the anemia of lower-risk MDS but luspatercept has shown promise as second-line therapy for sideroblastic MDS and lenalidomide is an established second-line treatment for del(5q) lower-risk MDS. The only potentially curative option for MDS is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, until recently associated with a relatively high risk of transplant-related mortality and relapse. However, recent studies show increased cure rates due to better tools to target the malignant clone with less toxicity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current status of the clinical evaluation, biology and therapeutic interventions for this spectrum of disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Hellström-Lindberg
- Karolinska Institutet, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Magnus Tobiasson
- Karolinska Institutet, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Peter Greenberg
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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19
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Scalzulli E, Pepe S, Colafigli G, Breccia M. Therapeutic strategies in low and high-risk MDS: What does the future have to offer? Blood Rev 2020; 45:100689. [PMID: 32253020 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2020.100689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a heterogeneous group of myeloid disorders characterized by cytopenias and increased risk of acute leukemia transformation. Prognosis of MDS patients can be assessed by various scoring systems, the most common being the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) now refined by the revised version (IPSS-R). Genomic information at baseline, that is currently not included in clinical prognostic scores, will, in the future, help us to stratify patients with various prognoses. Therapy of MDS is based on risk stratification. The aim of therapy in low-risk MDS is to improve anemia or thrombocytopenia, decrease transfusion needs, improve quality of life, attempt to prolong overall survival, and reduce the risk of progression. In higher-risk MDS, the goal of therapy is to prolong survival and reduce the risk of transformation into acute leukemia. Only a few drugs are currently available for treatment, but more drugs are now under clinical investigation, in line with new, recently discovered molecular and immunological pathways. This review describes potential new drugs for low and high-risk MDS. The increasing knowledge of immunological and signalling pathways in MDS will assist us in identifying targeted patient-oriented treatments. In the near future, initial molecular stratification will lead the way to a personalized approach and targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Scalzulli
- Hematology, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, Az. Policlinico Umberto 1, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Pepe
- Hematology, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, Az. Policlinico Umberto 1, Rome, Italy
| | - Gioia Colafigli
- Hematology, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, Az. Policlinico Umberto 1, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Breccia
- Hematology, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, Az. Policlinico Umberto 1, Rome, Italy.
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20
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Boada M, Echarte L, Guillermo C, Diaz L, Touriño C, Grille S. 5-Azacytidine restores interleukin 6-increased production in mesenchymal stromal cells from myelodysplastic patients. Hematol Transfus Cell Ther 2020; 43:35-42. [PMID: 32008984 PMCID: PMC7910176 DOI: 10.1016/j.htct.2019.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a heterogeneous group of clonal hematological diseases. In addition to defects in hematologic progenitor and stem cells, dysfunctions in the bone marrow microenvironment (BMM) participate in the MDS pathogenesis. Furthermore, the immune response is deregulated by the pro-inflammatory response prevailing in low-risk MDS, while immunosuppression predominates in high-risk MDS. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC), part of the BMM, are characterized by plastic adherent growth and multipotentiality. They exhibit immunomodulatory properties and sustain hematopoiesis. There is conflicting evidence regarding their status in MDS. The aim of this study was to characterize MDS-MSC and evaluate the effect of 5-Azacytidine. METHODS The MSC from MDS patients and controls were cultured and characterized according to the International Society of Cell Therapy recommendations. Immunomodulatory properties were assessed by studying the MSD cytokine production, using the cytometric bead array. We evaluated the effect of 5-Azacytidine on the MSC cytokine production. RESULTS We included 35 MDS patients and 22 controls. The MSC from patients and controls were cultured and characterized. The MSC from patients showed morphological differences, but there were no differences in immunophenotype or multipotentiality. The interleukin 6 (IL-6) was the main MSC secreted cytokine. The MDS-MSC produced higher levels of IL-6, IL-17, interferon gamma, or interferon γ (INF-γ), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). The in vitro 5-Azacytidine treatment induced a significant decrease in the IL-6 production by MDS-MSC. CONCLUSIONS The MDS-MSC show an increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The in vitro treatment with 5-Azacytidine lead to a significant reduction in the IL-6 production by the MDS-MSC, restoring the IL-6 levels to those found in controls. The MSC produced inflammatory cytokines involved in the MDS pathogenesis, representing a potential future therapeutic target. Moreover, 5-Azacytidine may have a stromal effect, modulating the immune response in MDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilde Boada
- Hospital de Clínicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Lourdes Echarte
- Hospital de Clínicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Cecilia Guillermo
- Hospital de Clínicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Lilián Diaz
- Hospital de Clínicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Cristina Touriño
- Hospital de Clínicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Sofía Grille
- Hospital de Clínicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
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21
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Steensma DP. Does early diagnosis and treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes make a difference? Best Pract Res Clin Haematol 2019; 32:101099. [DOI: 10.1016/j.beha.2019.101099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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22
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Tobiasson M, Kittang AO. Treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome in the era of next-generation sequencing. J Intern Med 2019; 286:41-62. [PMID: 30869816 DOI: 10.1111/joim.12893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is rapidly changing the clinical care of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). NGS can be used for various applications: (i) in the diagnostic process to discriminate between MDS and other diseases such as aplastic anaemia, myeloproliferative disorders and idiopathic cytopenias; (ii) for classification, for example, where the presence of SF3B1 mutation is one criterion for the ring sideroblast anaemia subgroups in the World Health Organization 2016 classification; (iii) for identification of patients suitable for targeted therapy (e.g. IDH1/2 inhibitors); (iv) for prognostication, for example, where specific mutations (e.g. TP53 and RUNX1) are associated with inferior prognosis, whereas others (e.g. SF3B1) are associated with superior prognosis; and (v) to monitor patients for progression or treatment failure. Most commonly, targeted sequencing for genes (normally 50-100 genes) reported to be recurrently mutated in myeloid disease is used. At present, NGS is rarely incorporated into clinical guidelines although an increasing number of studies have demonstrated the benefit of using NGS in the clinical management of MDS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Tobiasson
- Department of Hematology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Institution of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - A O Kittang
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Section for Hematology, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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23
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Jung KS, Kim YJ, Kim YK, Park SK, Kim HG, Kim SJ, Park J, Choi CW, Do YR, Kim I, Park S, Mun YC, Jeong SH, Kim MK, Yi HG, Chang MH, Kim SY, Lee JH, Jang JH. Clinical Outcomes of Decitabine Treatment for Patients With Lower-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome on the Basis of the International Prognostic Scoring System. CLINICAL LYMPHOMA MYELOMA & LEUKEMIA 2019; 19:656-664. [PMID: 31375393 DOI: 10.1016/j.clml.2019.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Decitabine has shown clinical benefits in patients with intermediate (INT)-2 or high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), determined according to the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS), but the benefits have not been well demonstrated in patients with lower-risk (IPSS low or INT-1) disease. Recently, it was proposed that the prognosis for patients with IPSS lower-risk disease is heterogeneous, with a substantial proportion of these patients having poor survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS This study included patients with IPSS lower-risk MDS from the DRAMA (An Observational Study for Dacogen Long-Term Treatment in Patients With Myelodysplastic Syndrome; NCT01400633) and DIVA (A Study for Dacogen Treatment in Patients With Myelodysplastic Syndrome; NCT01041846) studies, which were prospective observational studies on the efficacy and safety of decitabine treatment in patients with MDS. Using the Lower-Risk Prognostic Scoring System [LR-PSS], we classified IPSS lower-risk MDS. Patients in each LR-PSS category were divided according to overall response (OR) to decitabine treatment, and survival outcomes were compared. RESULTS One hundred sixteen patients were enrolled: LR-PSS category 1 (n = 12; 10.3%), category 2 (n = 56; 48.3%), and category 3 (n = 48; 41.4%). Survival outcomes differed among the 3 categories (P = .046). The overall survival according to OR showed a significant difference in total patients (P = .008) and category 3 patients (P = .003). We analyzed predictive factors for OR, but no variable was found to significantly affect OR. CONCLUSION Decitabine treatment showed a survival benefit in the higher-risk group of IPSS lower-risk MDS patients who responded to treatment, and classification using the LR-PSS category was helpful for this subgroup, indicating that decitabine treatment might alter the natural course of disease in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki Sun Jung
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea; Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Korea
| | - Yoo-Jin Kim
- Acute Leukemia Center, Seoul St Mary's Hematology Hospital, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yeo-Kyeoung Kim
- Department of Hematology, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Jeollanam-do, Korea
| | - Sung Kyu Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Hospital, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Hoon Gu Kim
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gyeongnam Regional Cancer Center, Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine, Jinju, Korea
| | - Soo Jeong Kim
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jinny Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Hospital, Incheon, Korea
| | - Chul Won Choi
- Division of Oncology and Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Rok Do
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, School of Medicine, Keimyung University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Inho Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seonyang Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yeung-Chul Mun
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seong Hyun Jeong
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea
| | - Min-Kyoung Kim
- Division of Oncology-Hematology, Department of Medicine, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Hyeon Gyu Yi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Myung Hee Chang
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital, Ilsan, Korea
| | - Su Youn Kim
- Medical Affairs, Janssen Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Je-Hwan Lee
- Department of Hematology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Jun Ho Jang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β pathway as a therapeutic target in lower risk myelodysplastic syndromes. Leukemia 2019; 33:1303-1312. [PMID: 30962581 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-019-0448-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2018] [Revised: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily comprises more than 30 soluble growth factors that play a central role in erythropoiesis and are part of a tightly regulated myelosuppressive negative feedback loop under physiologic conditions. TGF-β receptor activation and phosphorylation trigger a regulatory circuit of activating and inhibitory SMAD proteins and increased activation of the TGF-β signaling pathway either by a loss of negative feedback or constitutive activation has been associated with the myelosuppression and ineffective erythropoiesis in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Anemia is the predominant cause of morbidity and quality of life impairment in patients with lower-risk (LR)-MDS, and there are very limited therapy options for these patients after failure of erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs). Targeting the aberrant TGF-ß signaling pathway has therefore been investigated as a promising therapeutic approach to resolve the ineffective erythropoiesis in LR-MDS. In this article, we provide a brief overview of the TGF-β signaling cascade in hematopoiesis under physiologic conditions and its role in MDS pathogenesis. We also review preclinical and clinical data for the activin receptor type IIA ligand traps sotatercept and luspatercept that have recently shown promising results in overcoming the myelosuppressive effects of TGF-β signaling alterations to improve hematopoiesis in transfusion-dependent, non-del(5q) LR-MDS patients. Additional potential targets within the TGF-β pathway have also been identified in preclinical experiments and may provide further therapeutic options. Finally, combining different TGF-β pathway inhibitors or using them in combination with ESAs or the immunomodulator lenalidomide might have synergistic effects as well.
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25
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Luspatercept for the treatment of anemia in myelodysplastic syndromes and primary myelofibrosis. Blood 2019; 133:790-794. [PMID: 30602619 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2018-11-876888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Anemia of lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) and primary myelofibrosis (PMF) generally becomes resistant to available treatments, leading to red blood cell (RBC) transfusions, iron overload, shortened survival, and poor quality of life. The transforming growth factor-β superfamily, including activins and growth differentiation factors (GDFs), is aberrantly expressed in lower-risk MDSs and PMF. Luspatercept (and sotatercept), ligand traps that particularly inhibit GDF11, lead to RBC transfusion independence in 10% to 50% of lower-risk MDSs resistant to available treatments, and have started to be used in PMF.
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26
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Baek DW, Lee YJ, Kim H, Ahn SY, Ahn JS, Shin HJ, Lee WS, Lee SM, Song IC, Lee HS, Park SW, Choi Y, Cho YY, Bae SH, Kim HJ, Sohn SK, Moon JH. Response to hypomethylating agents improves long-term outcomes for lower-risk patients with myelodysplastic syndrome in case-matched cohorts. Ann Hematol 2018; 97:2309-2317. [PMID: 30073392 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-018-3458-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Predictive factors for initiating hypomethylating agents' (HMAs) treatment and the survival benefit of HMAs for lower-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (LR-MDS) are still unknown. This study evaluated the factors affecting the use of HMAs and compared long-term outcomes between best supportive care (BSC) and HMA groups after matching baseline clinical factors. Data of 353 patients diagnosed with LR-MDS by International Prognostic Scoring System between October 1992 and July 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. HMAs were administered continuously until a clinical response or progression. HMAs were administered to 243 patients with median 45 days (range 0-7078 days) after diagnosis, while 110 patients were treated with BSC. HMAs were administered over a median of 5 cycles and overall response was achieved in 104 patients (42.8%). The cumulative incidence of HMA treatment increased in higher-risk groups by other risk scoring systems. Three-year overall survival (OS) rate was higher in BSC group (69.1%) than HMA responders (47.4%, p = 0.065) or HMA non-responders (46.3%, p = 0.005). Among 162 case-matched cohorts, 3-year OS rates were comparable between the BSC group (67.1%) and HMA responders (58.1%, p = 0.914), while that of HMA non-responder was low (32.2%, p < 0.001). In the case-matched cohorts, HMA non-responder were associated with inferior OS rate in the multivariate analysis (hazard ratio 3.01, p = 0.001). Higher-risk groups by other clinical risk scoring systems among IPSS lower-risk patients showed an increased incidence of using HMAs. The OS rate of HMA responders among case-matched cohorts showed an improved OS rate similar to the BSC group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Won Baek
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Kyungpook National University Hospital, 130 Dongdeok-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, 41944, South Korea
- School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Yoo Jin Lee
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Kyungpook National University Hospital, 130 Dongdeok-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, 41944, South Korea
- School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Hyunjeong Kim
- School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, South Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Seo Yeon Ahn
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, South Korea
| | - Jae Sook Ahn
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, South Korea
| | - Ho Jin Shin
- Busan National University Hospital, Busan, South Korea
| | - Won Sik Lee
- Inje University Busan Baik Hospital, Busan, South Korea
| | - Sang Min Lee
- Inje University Busan Baik Hospital, Busan, South Korea
| | - Ik Chan Song
- Chungnam National University Hospital, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Ho Sup Lee
- Kosin University Gosper Hospital, Busan, South Korea
| | - Sung Woo Park
- Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Jinju, South Korea
| | - Yunsuk Choi
- Ulsan University Hospital, Ulsan, South Korea
| | - Yoon Young Cho
- Daegu Catholic University Medical Center, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Sung Hwa Bae
- Daegu Catholic University Medical Center, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Hyeoung Joon Kim
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, South Korea
| | - Sang Kyun Sohn
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Kyungpook National University Hospital, 130 Dongdeok-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, 41944, South Korea
- School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Joon Ho Moon
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Kyungpook National University Hospital, 130 Dongdeok-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, 41944, South Korea.
- School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, South Korea.
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Infections in Myelodysplastic Syndrome in Relation to Stage and Therapy. Mediterr J Hematol Infect Dis 2018; 10:e2018039. [PMID: 30002795 PMCID: PMC6039080 DOI: 10.4084/mjhid.2018.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections remain a significant problem in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) in treated as well in non-treated patients and assume a particular complexity. The susceptibility to infections is due, in the absence of intensive chemotherapies, mainly to functional defects in the myeloid lineage with or without neutropenia. Furthermore, MDS includes a heterogeneous group of patients with very different prognosis, therapy and risk factors regarding survival and infections. You should distinguish risk factors related to the disease, like as neutrophils function impairment, neutropenia, unfavorable cytogenetics and bone marrow insufficiency; factors related to the patient, like as age and comorbidities, and factors related to the therapy. When the patients with MDS are submitted to intensive chemotherapy with and without hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), they have a risk factor for infection very similar to that of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and mostly related to neutropenia. Patients with MDS treated with supportive therapy only or with demethylating agent or lenalidomide or immunosuppressive drugs should have a tailored approach. Most of the infections in MDS originate from bacteria, and the main risk factors are represented by neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and unfavorable cytogenetics. Thus, it is reasonable to give antibacterial prophylaxis to patients who start the therapy with demethylating agents with a number of neutrophils <500 × 109/L, or with thrombocytopenia and unfavorable cytogenetics. The antifungal prophylaxis is not considered cost/benefit adequate and should be taken into consideration only when there is an antecedent fungal infection or presence of filamentous fungi in the surveillance cultures. Subjects submitted to immunosuppression with ATG+CSA have a high rate of infections, and when severely neutropenic should ideally be nursed in isolation, should be given prophylactic antibiotics and antifungals, regular mouth care including an antiseptic mouthwash.
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