Anemia presents a significant challenge in the management of patients with low-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). As clinicians focus on maintaining quality of life, it is necessary to understand the care sequencing of anemia treatment in patients with low-risk MDS. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with Steven Gilmore, PharmD, BCOP, Senior Manager of Clinical Content in Pharmacy and Clinical Programs with McKesson Specialty Health, and Christopher Benton, MD, hematologist and medical oncologist at Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers, to review key considerations and emerging trends for the treatment of anemia in the low-risk MDS population.

“Social determinants [are] an important element in terms of patient compliance...MDS is a disease that primarily affects older individuals. And sometimes this can be hard [for them], to make it into the clinic on a weekly or biweekly basis in order to get an injection of the ESA.”—Christopher Benton, MD

“Everyone on the health care team can contribute [to] the management of MDS—hematologist-oncologists…clinical pharmacists and APPs [advanced practice providers]…hematopathologists…dietitians and social workers—all of the expertise from these professionals leads to a holistic approach that addresses medical, psychosocial, and supportive care needs of the patient.”—Steven Gilmore, PharmD, BCOP

Christopher Benton, MD

Hematologist and Medical Oncologist

Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers

Denver, CO

Steven Gilmore, PharmD, BCOP

Senior Manager, Clinical Content, Pharmacy & Clinical Programs

McKesson Specialty Health

Baltimore, MD

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