A new study shows that luspatercept-aamt (Reblozyl) is effective and safe for treating anemia in transfusion-dependent, lower-risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS). About 50% of patients achieved at least eight weeks without needing red blood cell transfusions.
Certain groups benefited more. Patients who were ring sideroblast (RS)–positive had higher response rates than RS-negative patients, and those with a low transfusion burden saw the greatest success. Patients who had not previously received erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA-naive) also had better and more durable responses compared with those who were ESA-refractory.
Luspatercept was generally well tolerated. Common side effects included swelling, back pain, and diarrhea, while serious side effects were manageable. Overall, the findings support luspatercept as an important treatment option, particularly for patients early in their treatment journey or with RS-positive disease.