On June 6, 2024, the FDA announced that it had approved imelelstat (Rytelo, Geron) for the treatment of adult patients with low to intermediate-risk myelodysplastic syndromes. This medication is designed for patients with transfusion-dependent anemia (requiring four or more red blood cell units over 8 weeks).
Imetetelstat is a new type of medication called a telomerase inhibitor. It works by stopping the repair tool called telomerase, which helps MDS cells to keep dividing uncontrollably. Cancer cells can't keep dividing as quickly when the telomerase is inhibited. This can help the bone marrow produce more healthy red blood cells, reducing the need for blood transfusions.
Imetetelstat is a targeted therapy developed for a specific type of MDS – low-to-intermediate risk MDS with transfusion-dependent anemia. It's a new option for patients who haven't responded well to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA). It is administered as an intravenous infusion over 2 hours every 4 weeks.
“For patients with lower-risk MDS and anemia who are transfusion dependent, we have very few options today and often cycle through available therapies, making the approval of imetesltat potentially practice changing for us,” said Rami Komrokji, from the Moffitt Cancer Center, who was an investigator of the IMerge clinical trial.
The research for imelelstat was conducted in the IMerge trial (NCT02598661), a large clinical trial with over 170 patients that investigated the effectiveness and safety of imetelstat for low-risk MDS patients who rely on regular blood transfusions. The study compared imetelstat to a placebo, with both groups receiving supportive care, including transfusions.
Overall, the IMerge trial results demonstrate the potential of imetelstat to significantly reduce transfusion dependence and improve hemoglobin levels in patients with lower-risk MDS. The safety profile appears manageable, with side effects being short-lived and treatable.
Lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes can be a challenging condition. For some patients, the disease can slowly worsen, leading to symptoms like fatigue and an increased need for blood transfusions. These transfusions, while helpful, can have side effects and impact quality of life. The recent approval of imetelstat offers new hope for patients who rely on regular blood transfusions. This medication is designed to help the body produce more healthy red blood cells, potentially reducing the need for transfusions and improving overall well-being.
Continue learning about MDS and its treatment options from the experts with Healthtree University for MDS:
CREATE A FREE HEALTHTREE ACCOUNT TODAY!
On June 6, 2024, the FDA announced that it had approved imelelstat (Rytelo, Geron) for the treatment of adult patients with low to intermediate-risk myelodysplastic syndromes. This medication is designed for patients with transfusion-dependent anemia (requiring four or more red blood cell units over 8 weeks).
Imetetelstat is a new type of medication called a telomerase inhibitor. It works by stopping the repair tool called telomerase, which helps MDS cells to keep dividing uncontrollably. Cancer cells can't keep dividing as quickly when the telomerase is inhibited. This can help the bone marrow produce more healthy red blood cells, reducing the need for blood transfusions.
Imetetelstat is a targeted therapy developed for a specific type of MDS – low-to-intermediate risk MDS with transfusion-dependent anemia. It's a new option for patients who haven't responded well to erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA). It is administered as an intravenous infusion over 2 hours every 4 weeks.
“For patients with lower-risk MDS and anemia who are transfusion dependent, we have very few options today and often cycle through available therapies, making the approval of imetesltat potentially practice changing for us,” said Rami Komrokji, from the Moffitt Cancer Center, who was an investigator of the IMerge clinical trial.
The research for imelelstat was conducted in the IMerge trial (NCT02598661), a large clinical trial with over 170 patients that investigated the effectiveness and safety of imetelstat for low-risk MDS patients who rely on regular blood transfusions. The study compared imetelstat to a placebo, with both groups receiving supportive care, including transfusions.
Overall, the IMerge trial results demonstrate the potential of imetelstat to significantly reduce transfusion dependence and improve hemoglobin levels in patients with lower-risk MDS. The safety profile appears manageable, with side effects being short-lived and treatable.
Lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes can be a challenging condition. For some patients, the disease can slowly worsen, leading to symptoms like fatigue and an increased need for blood transfusions. These transfusions, while helpful, can have side effects and impact quality of life. The recent approval of imetelstat offers new hope for patients who rely on regular blood transfusions. This medication is designed to help the body produce more healthy red blood cells, potentially reducing the need for transfusions and improving overall well-being.
Continue learning about MDS and its treatment options from the experts with Healthtree University for MDS:
CREATE A FREE HEALTHTREE ACCOUNT TODAY!
about the author
Lisa Foster
Lisa Foster is a mom of 3 daughters, a puzzle lover, writer and HealthTree advocate. She believes in the mission of the foundation and the team that builds it forward. She calls Houston, Texas home.
Subscribe to the weekly newsletter for news, stories, clinical trial updates, and helpful resources and events with cancer experts.