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Suggest Treatment For MDS

Posted on Tue, 29 Mar 2016

Question: Hi,
My dad is struggling with MDS. He is transfusion dependent and on 5x/month vidaza/procrit shots. Is there any new treatment?

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
treatment is appropriate

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.

I am sorry to know about your dad. Azathioprine with erythropoietin is appropriate for many elderly MDS patients who require treatment. Efficacy is reasonable but definitely better drugs are needed.
Many are in the pipeline but not yet with proven efficacy.

Some other drugs useful in various patients are isotretinoin, lenalidomide, cyclosporin plus ATG, etc.

Overall, what he is receiving now is considered a standard of care in MDS.

Hope this helps.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (5 minutes later)

Any idea of the length of survival time? He has been in treatment for 5months without getting worse, or better. Seems to take vidaza and transfusions well. How long can he receive these treatments?
Thank you. This site is a blessing!!!

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
difficult to predict

Detailed Answer:
Survival may vary. Many patients can continue this treatment for 1 year or so. Even after that, there are other options.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (1 minute later)

Good to know there might be other options if this fails. Thank you!!!!

Oops, should have hit rate doc. You'll have to respond for me to rate you. Thanks again for your kind concern.

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
you are welcome

Detailed Answer:
Regards

Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar