Clinical Study Of Low-Dose Decitabine In The Treatment Of Myelodysplastic Syndrome

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of low-dose Decitabine on the response rate and adverse events of the patients with myelodysplastic syndrome and to identify the associated factors.METHODS:From August2010to December2012,21consecutive patients with myelodysplastic syndrome in Shandong University Qilu Hospital,who received decitabine more than2courses were reviewed.Decitabine25mg/d was given intravenously over one hour for five consecutive days every four weeks. Efficacy and related factors were analyzed by SPSS17.0software.RESULTS:As far as21patients with myelodysplastic syndrome were concerned, a median of4courses were delivered. The overall response rate was85.7%(6complete responses,1partial response,10marrow complete response with(3) or without(7) hematologic improvement, and1merely hematologic improvement). There was no significant difference in ORR according to baseline patients’ characteristics. Averse events were evaluated for all patients, for a total of108courses. Major adverse events were cytopenia and cytopenia-related infection. Grade Ⅲ or Ⅳ anemia (36.1%), neutropenia (35.2%), and thrombocytopenia (51.9%) were frequently observed.CONCLUSIONS:Low-dose Decitabine is effective in the early treatment for myelodysplastic syndrome, however, hematologic adverse events were frequently observed which need supportive measure intensively. Long-term benefit of decitabine should explored in further study.