Improving Outcomes in Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Research from the 2018 ASH Annual Meeting

February 19, 2019
Greg Guthrie, ASCO staff

The 2018 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting was held December 1 to 4 in San Diego, California. This meeting brings together experts from across the globe to discuss new advances in the treatment of blood-related diseases, including cancers of the blood and bone marrow.share on twitter

In this podcast, Guillermo Garcia-Manero, MD, describes 4 studies presented at the meeting, covering new treatment findings for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

  • Luspatercept may improve or stop anemia, which is a major problem that often affects people with MDS. [2:26]

  • Using deferasirox (Jadenu) to treat iron overload benefits people with MDS. [6:16]

  • Adding venetoclax (Venclexta or ABT-199) to decitabine (Dacogen) or azacitidine (Vidaza) is very effective for treating some people with AML. [9:58]

  • Combining immunotherapy drugs called immune checkpoint inhibitors with azacitidine extends life for some people with high-risk or advanced MDS. [12:08]

Dr. Garcia-Manero is the Deputy Chair of Translational Research and Professor, Department of Leukemia, at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. He is also the Chief of the Section of Myelodysplastic Syndromes at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Dr. Garcia-Manero is the Cancer.Net Associate Editor for Leukemia.

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