Hypomethylating agents (HMA) are a class of drugs that can reverse DNA and trigger it to reprogram tumor cells. They offer an effective treatment option for MDS and AML patients. Especially older, non-fit patients. “DNA hypomethylating drugs reprogram tumor cells to a normal-like state and sensitize the cells to chemotherapy and immunotherapy.”
The first generation of HMAs are azacitidine and decitabine and they are routinely used to treat myeloid leukemias. A majority of cancer gene silencing is due to hypomethylating agents.
Hypomethylating agents are an eligible option for those who are not healthy enough for a stem cell transplant. They may also be used to decrease the number of blasts in the bone marrow and help normalize the blood cell levels.
HMAs can have side effects:
HMAs are drugs that “are a type of chemotherapy that work by blocking the DNA that helps cancer cells grow. They also help genes that are involved in cell growth work the way they should. Using one of these drugs may help improve blood cell counts, which may lead to fewer blood transfusions and improve quality of life.”
Hypomethylating agents are considered a non-intensive treatment. They aim to slow the progression of the disease with as few side effects as possible. They will not cure MDS, but they can alter its composition.
Typical treatment regimen:
Hypomethylating agents (HMA) are a class of drugs that can reverse DNA and trigger it to reprogram tumor cells. They offer an effective treatment option for MDS and AML patients. Especially older, non-fit patients. “DNA hypomethylating drugs reprogram tumor cells to a normal-like state and sensitize the cells to chemotherapy and immunotherapy.”
The first generation of HMAs are azacitidine and decitabine and they are routinely used to treat myeloid leukemias. A majority of cancer gene silencing is due to hypomethylating agents.
Hypomethylating agents are an eligible option for those who are not healthy enough for a stem cell transplant. They may also be used to decrease the number of blasts in the bone marrow and help normalize the blood cell levels.
HMAs can have side effects:
HMAs are drugs that “are a type of chemotherapy that work by blocking the DNA that helps cancer cells grow. They also help genes that are involved in cell growth work the way they should. Using one of these drugs may help improve blood cell counts, which may lead to fewer blood transfusions and improve quality of life.”
Hypomethylating agents are considered a non-intensive treatment. They aim to slow the progression of the disease with as few side effects as possible. They will not cure MDS, but they can alter its composition.
Typical treatment regimen:
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.
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