Dacogen before chemo for AML patients

[Birgitta-A]

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

[DanL]

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?