The Myelodysplastic Syndromes Channel on VJHemOnc is an independent medical education platform, supported with funding from Geron (Silver). Supporters have no influence on the production of content. The levels of sponsorship listed are reflective of the amount of funding given.
ASH 2021 | hTERT reduction by imetelstat correlates with clinical activity in MDS
Imetelstat is a first-in-class competitive inhibitor of telomerase enzymatic activity, shown in the Phase II IMerge study (NCT02598661) to achieve durable transfusion independence in patents with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) relapsed/refractory to erythropoiesis stimulating agents. Valeria Santini, MD, University of Florence, Florence, Italy, shares the findings of an investigation into the on-target activity of imetelstat and the clinical benefits demonstrated in the trial. An optimal pharmacodynamic (PD) effect was defined as ≥50% hTERT reduction by imetelstat. The study revealed a significant correlation between optimal PD effect and clinical benefits. Patients who achieved a ≥50% hTERT reduction had a greater reduction in transfusions and a significantly longer median transfusion independence duration, compared to patients who did not show optimal on-target activity. This on-target activity was not accompanied by higher rates of cytopenias or liver enzyme elevations. This interview took place at the 63rd ASH Annual Meeting and Exposition congress in Atlanta, GA.
