Common MDS drug shows promise in treating AML

Submitted by Ross Bonander Fri 04/09/2010

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Results from a phase II trial carried out by researchers at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center in Columbus suggest that a drug used to treat people with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) may also be effective in treating some leukemia patients.

BLOOD CANCER SUBTYPE(S) IN QUESTION

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Over time, MDS can evolve into AML.

COHORT

Patients: 53 (ages 60 or over)
Median age: 74

RESEARCH FINDINGS

The trial featured the drug decitabine (Dacogen), a single agent chemotherapeutic drug and DNA methyltransferase inhibitor used against MDS. In the cohort with AML, the drug resulted in a complete response in 47% of patients, with an overall response rate of 64%.

It should be noted that this trial did not have a control group, so it's impossible to say how the drug would measure up against other drugs or regimens.

PUBLICATION & SOURCES

This study was published online in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. .

By Ross Bonander

Source: MedPageToday

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