Journal: International journal of clinical oncology

Article Title: Multidisciplinary evaluation at baseline and during treatment improves the rate of compliance and efficacy of deferasirox in elderly myelodysplastic patients.

PMID/MRN: 27771776

Publication Date: 2016-Oct-22

Abstract:

Deferasirox (DFX) is used to reduce iron levels in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) who develop iron overload after chronic red blood cell infusions. However, DFX can be associated with renal and gastrointestinal toxicities, which may cause treatment interruption or discontinuation. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness and safety of DFX in patients with MDS. This multicenter, retrospective, observational study was conducted at two hospitals in Italy. Elderly patients with transfusion-dependent MDS received DFX for up to 12Êmonths and were divided into two groups: group A comprised patients who were not under multidisciplinary assessment; group B comprised patients under multidisciplinary control. Treatment effectiveness was estimated by monitoring the serum ferritin (SF) levels throughout the study. Any treatment-related adverse events (AEs), clinically relevant analytical alterations, and reasons for treatment discontinuation were monitored. The study included 44 patients (13 female, 31 male; median age 77.0Êyears). At 3Êmonths, SF levels decreased by ³20Ê% in 29 and 31Ê% of patients in groups A and B, respectively, in 17 and 36Ê% of patients at 6Êmonths, and in 22 and 58Ê% at 12Êmonths. The most common AEs were diarrhea and increased serum creatinine, which were more frequent in group A. The discontinuation rate after renal AE was 15 and 5Ê% in groups A and B, respectively. Multidisciplinary evaluation can be an effective strategy for monitoring renal function in patients on DFX therapy, to improve treatment adherence and overall efficacy in elderly patients with MDS.