Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network Study 1102 heralds a new era in hematopoietic cell transplantation in high‐risk myelodysplastic syndromes: Challenges and opportunities in implementation

Abstract

Lay Summary People who have advanced myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) may live longer if they get a bone marrow transplant (BMT) instead of other therapies. However, only 15% of people with MDS actually get BMT. Experts say community physicians and transplant physicians should team up with insurance companies and patient advocacy groups to 1) spread this news about lifesaving advances in BMT, 2) ensure that everyone can afford health care, 3) provide emotional support for patients and families, 4) help patients and families get transportation and housing if they need to travel for transplant, and 5) improve care for people of under‐represented racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Evaluating complete remission with partial hematologic recovery (CRh) as a response criterion in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)

“…Unfortunately, while currently available treatments may provide symptomatic improvement, and some are associated with improvements in survival, none are curative without allogeneic transplant [4][5][6]. DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTIs, also termed hypomethylating agents or HMAs) have been shown to prolong survival in MDS compared to other therapeutics including chemotherapy and best supportive care [7][8][9][10].…”