Revlimid and low risk/high risk MDS

[Birgitta-A]

Hi All,
Here is an article from Blood about Revlimid: http://bloodjournal.hematologylibrar...ll/113/17/3888
Kind regards
Birgitta-A

[zydefly]

Anyone know if any other resources or links that provide information on the effficacy of Revlimid in treating high risk MDS? If Revlimid is the drug of choice for isolated del 5q syndrome (low risk = IPSS score of 0 for cytopenia <anemia> and 0 for marrow blast), given the high risks for high risk MDS mentioned in the study quoted by Birgitta (A majority of patients experienced severe neutropenia and/or thrombocytopenia, and 30 patients (64%) required hospitalization during their treatment course) and given the low success rate (< 21% CR), I am wondering why Revlimid is given for high risk (> 2.0 IPSS) MDS? I have a close relative with RAEB-2 with del 5q taking this drug and wondered if this is common or preferred treatment choice. It may bring up their RBC, but it doesn't appear hopeful to bring up the WBC.

[Ruth Cuadra]

Rick,

I don't have any resources to point you to, but I suspect that the reason Revlimid is used for forms of MDS other than 5q- is that is has been very effective for the 5q- group. There are a couple of other drugs on the market for MDS (e.g., Vidaza, Dacogen), but there are not many choices. This is where medicine is an art--taking a drug that seems to work in some cases and seeing what benefit can be derived in other situations.

Where is your relative being treated? Your question about Revlimid is a good one and the doctor should be able to answer it.

Regards,
Ruth Cuadra