Management of High-risk MDS: Seeking Clarity for Classification and Treatment

This podcast episode is derived from the MDS Algorithm on EHA Campus. Check out the MDS Algorithm, which is an expert based tool for healthcare providers, ensuring a structured and evidence-based approach to managing myelodysplastic syndromes.In this episode, our host Prof Kirsten Grønbæk from University of Copenhagen, discusses the management of high-risk MDS with Prof Katharina Götze from Technical University of Munich and Prof Valeria Santini from University of Florence. The experts delve into the two classification systems for MDS, defined by the International Consensus Classification (ICC) and World Health Organization (WHO) in 2022. They discuss the impact of the similarities and discrepancies between these systems on clinical practice and the patients’ understanding of their disease. The speakers further talk about hypomethylating agents (HMA) as the backbone of current treatments for high-risk MDS. They exchange their views on the considerations for choosing the patients who are most likely to benefit from these treatments, while avoiding myelotoxicity. The experts also discuss selecting the right patients for other (emerging) treatments, such as venetoclax and magrolimab, while stressing that data from phase III trials is yet to become available for some of these agents. The role of allogeneic transplantation as the only curative option for patients with high-risk MDS is also emphasized, with the experts highlighting the role of Molecular International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-M) in selecting the eligible patients. In the closing remarks, the importance and challenges of monitoring the molecular evolution of the disease are stressed, as this technology allows to tailor the available treatments to each individual patient.  Host: Prof Kirsten GrønbækGuests: Prof Katharina Götze & Prof Valeria SantiniLearn MoreWhat did you think of this podcast? Share your opinions with us in this short feedback survey.https://forms.monday.com/forms/d02e52896815eef59ecae09fb74dd78f?r=use1 Would you like to explore more eLearning or podcasts? Please visit the EHA Campus.https://ehaedu.org/CampusSubscribe, share, and review this podcast to be able to address topics you enjoy and like to listen to.Follow EHA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/EHA_Hematology/Facebook: https://e-h-a.link/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eha/Email us: [email protected] to receive the EHA Educational Updates via https://eha.news/subscribe