Revlimid Works For Some MDS/Acute Myeloid Luekemia Patients

MDS Foundation Says That ASH 2009 is the Culmination of a Banner Year for MDS and AML
--Studies Confirm Revlimid for MDS and AML--
--NCCN Guidelines Support New Treatments--

CROSSWICKS, N.J. & NEW ORLEANS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) Foundation today said a large, new study confirms REVLIMID® provides significant benefit for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes who have the chromosome abnormality deletion 5q. REVLIMID is an oral drug therapy first approved in the U.S. for MDS del 5q based on a smaller phase II study in December 2005. This phase III study from Pierre Fenaux, M.D., Ph.D., at the Université Paris, showed that 61% of patients who had required regular blood transfusions to treat their symptoms, became transfusion free. 41% of these patients demonstrated a cytogenic response—that is, their chromosomes returned to normal. The patients remained transfusion free for a median period of more than two years.
Also at ASH, a phase II study from Washington University showed REVLIMID also has an important benefit in a related condition, acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a difficult-to-treat form of leukemia that often develops from MDS. In elderly patients, prognosis is poor, but the study showed 30% of patients treated with REVLIMID achieved a complete response.
“With these trials there are literally volumes of research ongoing in MDS making a difference in the expectations of patients,” said Kathy Heptinstall, Operating Director of the Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation. “Our mission now is to educate physicians, nurses and pharmacists on how best to select patients for therapies, to monitor their response carefully, and to encourage patients to stay on therapy long enough to achieve the best possible response.”
MDS is a malignant condition of cells in the bone marrow. Patients require blood transfusions that can lead to iron overload, and the condition can progress to a serious form of leukemia (AML) that has a median survival of less than one year. MDS affects the function of blood cells—either red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets. The incidence of MDS and AML is underestimated.
This and other studies at ASH continue a year of significant developments for MDS patients. In October, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) issued updated guidelines adding VIDAZA® and DACOGEN® as low intensity treatment options for AML patients over 60 years old. Clolar® was also listed as a possible intermediate intensity treatment option for certain subsets of these patients. These are important new treatment options for AML, where the majority of patients are elderly and cannot tolerate intense chemotherapy.
For high-risk MDS patients, the NCCN listed VIDAZA as the first “preferred” treatment, and says VIDAZA is “superior to conventional care (standard chemotherapy or supportive care) regarding overall survival.” The recommendations are based on the largest international study in this disease category for high-risk patients with MDS. The NCCN develops evidence-based treatment guidelines from experts in each field of cancer based on published studies.
About the MDS Foundation
The Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation, Inc. is a multi-disciplinary, international organization devoted to the prevention, treatment, and study of the myelodysplastic syndromes. The organization is based upon the premise that international cooperation will accelerate the process leading to the control and cure of these diseases. For further information, please visit http://www.mds-foundation.org.

Revlimid has worked exceptionally well for me and my multiple myeloma. It's good to know it may be able to help patients with myelodysplastic syndromes and and acute myeloid leukemia as well.
Feel good and keep smiling and have a great weekend! But keep reading--I will be writing new articles both Saturday and Sunday- Pat