Anemia presents a significant challenge in the management of patients with low-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Given the considerable potential for symptom burden associated with anemia in patients with MDS, health care professionals must prioritize enhancing quality of life when evaluating treatment options. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with David Sallman, MD, associate member in the Department of Malignant Hematology at Moffitt Cancer Center, and Karley Trautman, DNP, ANP-BC, AGACNP-BC, senior instructor of Medical Oncology at Highlands Ranch Cancer Center, to discuss best practices in the management of anemia in low-risk MDS patients.

“The goal is still personalizing [treatment] for the patient. So say a patient feel[s] better when their hemoglobin is greater than 10 grams per deciliter, as an example. So you titrate or transition therapies until you achieve that…in order to make the patient’s experience better.”—David Sallman, MD

“Two people that have the same hemoglobin level can have completely different symptoms. So it’s really important that we don’t just focus on the numbers, but we focus on how the patient is feeling and how they’re functioning…so that if they’re doing well, even at a lower number than something we might typically treat, we don’t let that number drive how often we feel like they need to be seen, but we take it into account—[treating] the whole person.”—Karley Trautman, DNP, ANP-BC, AGACNP-BC

David Sallman, MD

Associate Member, Department of Malignant Hematology

Moffitt Cancer Center

Tampa, FL

Karley Trautman, DNP, ANP-BC, AGACNP-BC

Senior Instructor, Medical Oncology

Highlands Ranch Cancer Center

Denver, CO

This episode was developed in connection with the ACCC education initiative Anemia Mitigation & Optimal Care for MDS Patients and is supported by Bristol Myers Squibb.

Resources:

ACCC Myelodysplastic Syndromes

ASH 2020 Treatment Algorithm Lower-Risk MDS