Oral Hypomethylating Agents: Compliance, Real-World Data, and Expanding Use
Explore the differences between bispecific antibodies and CAR T-cell therapy, highlighting their unique benefits and administration processes in cancer treatment.
This segment focuses on the practical considerations and evolving use of oral HMAs in myeloid malignancies, emphasizing compliance, real-world outcomes, and emerging combination therapies. Dr. Fazal addresses concerns about patient adherence with oral therapy versus intravenous administration, noting that continuous treatment is critical in high-risk MDS. Real-world data indicate that interruptions or premature discontinuation of HMAs are common, with up to 44% of patients unable to continue therapy consistently. Oral formulations, particularly those with a condensed five-day schedule, can improve convenience while maintaining adherence and efficacy comparable to IV therapy.
NP Granato highlights the importance of proactive patient education and support. She describes structured post-prescription visits, inclusion of caregivers, and detailed instruction on dosing, side effects, and lab monitoring, emphasizing the collaborative role of nursing and medical teams in ensuring compliance.
Dr. Shastri discusses the expanding landscape of oral HMAs in combination with agents like venetoclax for high-risk MDS and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). She describes that oral formulations allow patients to receive effective treatment in community settings, reducing the need for travel to large academic centers, while maintaining coordination of care. Preliminary combination data show promising efficacy, suggesting broader adoption and potential “total oral therapy” regimens in the near future.
Overall, this segment highlights the balance between patient convenience, adherence, and clinical outcomes, framing oral HMAs as a practical and effective advancement in modern myeloid malignancy management.
