The study looked at older patients with a median age of 70. These are patients who have had ‘no truly adequate treatments,’ however the study found that half of the patients treated with Vidaza survived at least two years, compared to only 16% of patients who received conventional care.
Reportedly, the study also found that Vidaza helped reduce the need for blood transfusions that are often required in AML. 41% of patients on Vidaza have achieved transfusion independence, compared to only 18% receiving conventional care. Vidaza treatment also reduced the number of days spent in the hospital, and reduced serious infections.
The findings come from a subset of an international study of Vidaza that previously demonstrated improved survival in patients with higher-risk MDS. Both MDS and AML are malignant conditions of cells in the bone marrow. Previously, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommended Vidaza and Dacogen as treatment options for AML patients over 60 years old.
Kathy Heptinstall, operating director at Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation, said: “This is encouraging news for patients with AML. Currently, as documented by an editorial in the same journal, a large portion of older AML patients are offered only supportive or palliative care. We would hope that publication of these encouraging results will spread the word and help change the approach to treatment.”