Crosswicks, NJ – (December 10, 2008) – The Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) Foundation announced today that a subanalysis of the AZA-001 phase III international clinical trial shows that treatment with VIDAZA (azacitidine) can extend overall survival and reduce the risk of death in elderly higher-risk MDS patients.
Dr. John F. Seymour of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute in Victoria, Australia presented the analysis at the 50th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology in San Francisco. The results showed that 55 percent of patients in the trial had significantly higher overall survival rates at two years when treated with VIDAZA, as compared to patients treated with conventional care regimens (CCR).
"Dr. Seymour's analysis shows the major recent clinical advancements in treatments for elderly, higher-risk MDS patient," said Kathy Heptinstall, Operating Director of the Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation. "We are hopeful about the potential of new therapies, like VIDAZA, which are helping MDS patients to live longer and with a better quality of life."
The analysis presented by Dr. Seymour is a follow-up to results from the AZA-001 trial, presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting in June, which showed that VIDAZA significantly extends overall survival for patients with MDS compared to conventional care regimens. Patients who received VIDAZA had higher one-year survival rates in all response categories, including partial remission, stable disease and hematologic improvement, compared to those who received CCR without necessarily achieving complete remission.
About MDS
MDS is a cancer in which the bone marrow fails to make enough functioning blood cells, either red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets. It is not known exactly how many people have MDS, however, about 20,000 to 25,000 new cases are diagnosed annually in the U.S. In addition, roughly 30 percent of patients diagnosed with MDS will progress to acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
About the MDS Foundation
The Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation, Inc. is a multi-disciplinary, international organization devoted to the prevention, treatment, and study of the myelodysplastic syndromes. The organization is based upon the premise that international cooperation will accelerate the process leading to the control and cure of these diseases. For further information, please visit http://www.mds-foundation.org.