Dacogen before chemo for AML patients
 

Hi All,
Researchers conclude that epigenetic treatment with Dacogen in AML patients before intensive chemotherapy can be safely delivered in an attempt to improve response rates.
http://bloodjournal.hematologylibrar...18/6/1472.full
Kind regards
Birgitta-A

I know that this study was small with only 30 patients, but to have a 90% response rate, and 83% complete remission rate after 2 cycles is rather astonishing. The best news in this is that after a median of 32 months, 53% of the patients are still in complete remission, which is a remarkably good number for the risk characteristics of this patient cohort.

The basics here:

30 patients enrolled
17 reached CR after 1st round of decitabine + induction chemo
8 reached CR after 2nd round of decitabine + induction chemo
3 went on to transplant and died as a result of complications
16 are still in complete remission at a median of 32 months later

Since AML and MDS have very similar resistance to treatment, I am wondering if this is being tried anywhere for MDS. (i could not find it in any clinical trials) It appears as if this is bringing AML closer to non-HCT cure....any other thoughts?