Azacytidine for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes in the elderly

Adv Ther. 2011 Mar:28 Suppl 2:10-5. doi: 10.1007/s12325-010-0097-3. Epub 2011 Mar 9.

Abstract

The management of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) in elderly patients is a significant clinical problem. The therapeutic options range from observation alone for patients with low-risk disease, lenalidomide for patients with 5q-syndrome, to 5-azacytidine (5-AZA) for patients with higher risk of disease. In this paper, we summarize the clinical course of three patients with high-risk MDS treated with 5-AZA as well as the management and supportive care measures for adverse events. As expected, based on available clinical trials data, the agent resulted in clinical and hematological improvement in these patients with acceptable side effects. 5-AZA is an attractive option for elderly patients with high-risk MDS.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Anemia, Refractory, with Excess of Blasts* / etiology
  • Anemia, Refractory, with Excess of Blasts* / metabolism
  • Anemia, Refractory, with Excess of Blasts* / physiopathology
  • Anemia, Refractory, with Excess of Blasts* / therapy
  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / administration & dosage
  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / adverse effects
  • Azacitidine* / administration & dosage
  • Azacitidine* / adverse effects
  • Blood Component Transfusion
  • Bone Marrow Examination
  • Bone Marrow* / pathology
  • Bone Marrow* / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Life Expectancy*
  • Male
  • Monitoring, Physiologic
  • Myelodysplastic Syndromes* / complications
  • Myelodysplastic Syndromes* / metabolism
  • Myelodysplastic Syndromes* / pathology
  • Myelodysplastic Syndromes* / physiopathology
  • Myelodysplastic Syndromes* / therapy
  • Pancytopenia* / complications
  • Pancytopenia* / metabolism
  • Pancytopenia* / physiopathology
  • Pancytopenia* / therapy
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic
  • Azacitidine