ASCO23: transfusion independence almost doubles in MDS patients receiving luspatecept

Luspatercept improves anemia and reduces reliance on red cell transfusions for people with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Supporting data came from the global Phase II COMMANDS clinical trial and the results will be presented at the 2023 ASCO Annual Meeting (2−6 June, IL, USA). MDS constitutes a heterogeneous group of bone marrow disorders that are characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis, leading to cytopenia and commonly anaemia. Patients with MDS have an increased risk for disease progression to acute myeloid leukemia. Treatment for lower-risk MDS is limited, consisting of supportive care with red cell transfusions and iron chelation therapy. The gold standard treatment...