MDS 2021 | Optimizing transfusion support in MDS

Yulia Lin, MD, FRCPC, Sunnybrook Health Science Centre, Toronto, Canada, explains how transfusion support can be optimized in the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), highlighting experiences from the clinic. Dr Lin then discusses the outcomes from two early feasibility trials, RBC-Enhance (NCT02099669) and REDDS (ISRCTN26088319) investigating the appropriate transfusion thresholds for MDS patients by comparing the difference in the quality of life between patients transfused with a restrictive threshold (maintaining hemoglobin (Hb) between 85 and 105 g/L) versus patients transfused with a liberal threshold (maintaining Hb between 110 and 120 g/L). Dr Lin highlights that both trials demonstrated that the two transfusion strategies led to significant differences in mean Hb levels. In addition, whilst the results indicate a potential improvement of quality of life for liberal arm patients, the RBC-Enhance study also revealed higher serum ferritin levels for these patients, which is an indicator for iron overload. Dr Lin emphasizes that larger studies with longer follow-up periods are required to obtain more conclusive answers. This interview took place at the 16th International Congress on Myelodysplastic Syndromes, held virtually in 2021.