Dr. Mitul Gandhi, Medical Oncologist at Virginia Cancer Specialists, Co-Authors Real-World Study Assessing Efficacy of Azacitidine in Treatment-Naive Patients with Higher-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Dr. Mitul Gandhi, Medical Oncologist at Virginia Cancer Specialists, Co-Authors Real-World Study Assessing Efficacy of Azacitidine in Treatment-Naive Patients with Higher-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes

This study highlights the need for new therapies that improve complete remission and survival rates in patients with HR-MDS.

Fairfax, Virginia, February 9, 2024 – Virginia Cancer Specialists, a premier provider of leading-edge cancer care in Northern Virginia, is proud to announce that medical oncologist Mitul Gandhi, MD, has co-authored an important study analyzing the efficacy of real-world azacytidine (AZA) in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). The original study “Real-world Effectiveness of Azacitidine in Treatment-Naive Patients With Higher-risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes,” sheds light on the effectiveness of AZA as a frontline therapy for higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes, and the need for new therapies that can improve complete remission and survival rates.

Myelodysplastic syndromes are a heterogeneous group of malignancies characterized by clonal hematopoiesis and ineffective blood cell production. Higher-risk MDS (HR-MDS) is associated with overall poor prognosis, characterized by lower overall survival and an increased risk for transformation to acute myeloid leukemia. This latest study evaluated the effectiveness of azacitidine in 382 treatment-naive patients with HR-MDS, utilizing a US electronic health record–derived database. The comprehensive analysis focused on key endpoints, including complete remission rates, objective response rates, duration of complete remission, progression-free survival, time-to-next-treatment, and overall survival.

The findings from the study demonstrate the challenges faced by treatment-naive patients with HR-MDS, with limited complete remissions and shorter overall survival rates observed. Among the key findings, the study revealed a complete remission rate (CRR) of 7.9%, with a median duration of complete remission of 12 months. Notably, in poor cytogenetic risk and TP53 mutation subgroups, CRRs were 7.9% and 8.7%, respectively. The overall response rate was 62.8%, including a hematologic improvement rate of 46.9%.

Mitul Gandhi, MD, co-author and expert in the field, highlights the significance of the study’s findings: “This research represents a collaborative effort to provide a comprehensive understanding of the real-world effectiveness of azacytidine,” Dr. Gandhi said. “The findings underscore the complexity of HR-MDS treatment and the need for innovative approaches to enhance patient outcomes.”

The study, authored by experts at the forefront of myelodysplastic syndromes research, serves as a crucial call to action for the medical community, signaling the need for continued efforts in developing novel therapeutic strategies for patients with higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Gandhi, call 571-350-8400 or visit VirginiaCancerSpecialists.com.

About Virginia Cancer Specialists

Virginia Cancer Specialists (VCS) is the largest comprehensive private cancer practice in Northern Virginia, featuring a world-class treatment team committed to fighting cancer and diseases of the blood. VCS provides patients access to leading-edge treatment protocols, clinical trials, and comprehensive care, along with a multidisciplinary approach to medical oncology, radiation oncology, musculoskeletal tumor surgery, breast surgery, and thoracic surgery. They also offer genetic counseling, palliative care, oncology nurse navigators, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, oncology infusion nurses, oncology pharmacists, social workers, dietitians, and laboratory technicians.

The Virginia Cancer Specialists Research Institute, the largest in the Mid-Atlantic region, houses a fully staffed, comprehensive clinical research program and a dedicated research facility for Phase I clinical trials. In addition, Virginia Cancer Specialists is part of The US Oncology Network, connecting the practice with more than 2,500 independent physicians and the research data from clinical trials nationwide. Through Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI), VCS actively participates in clinical trials. SCRI has conducted more than 700 first-in-human clinical trials since its inception and contributed to pivotal research that has led to the majority of new cancer therapies approved by the FDA today. For more information, visit www.usoncology.com.

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