Assessment of CYP-Mediated Drug Interactions for Enasidenib Based on a Cocktail Study in Patients with Relapse or Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia or Myelodysplastic Syndrome.

As a selective and potent inhibitor targeting the isocitrate dehydrogenase-2 (IDH2) mutant protein, enasidenib obtained approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017 for adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with an IDH2 mutation. In vitro investigations demonstrated that enasidenib affects various drug metabolic enzymes and transporters. This current investigation aimed to assess enasidenib on the pharmacokinetics (PKs) of CYP substrates, including dextromethorphan (CYP2D6 probe drug), flurbiprofen (CYP2C9 probe drug), midazolam (CYP3A4 probe drug), omeprazole (CYP2C19 probe drug), and pioglitazone (CYP2C8 probe drug), in patients with AML or myelodysplastic syndrome. Results showed that following the co-administration of enasidenib (100 mg, once daily) for 28 days, the PK parameters AUC(0-∞) and Cmax of dextromethorphan increased by 1.37 (90% confidence interval (CI): 0.96, 1.96) and 1.24 (90% CI: 0.94, 1.65)-fold, respectively, compared to dextromethorphan alone. For flurbiprofen, these parameters increased by 1.14 (90%CI: 1.01, 1.29) and 0.97 (90% CI 0.86, 1.08)-fold, respectively, when compared to flurbiprofen alone. Conversely, midazolam exhibited decreases to 0.57 (90% CI 0.34, 0.97) and 0.77 (90% CI 0.39, 1.53)-fold, respectively, in comparison to midazolam alone. The parameters for omeprazole increased by 1.86 (90% CI: 1.33, 2.60) and 1.47 (0.93, 2.31)-fold, respectively, compared to omeprazole alone, while those for pioglitazone decreased to 0.80 (90% CI: 0.62, 1.03) and 0.87 (90% CI: 0.65, 1.16)-fold, respectively, in comparison to pioglitazone alone. These findings provide valuable insights into dose recommendations concerning drugs acting as substrates of CYP2D6, CYP2C9, CYP3A4, CYP2C19, and CYP2C8 when administered concurrently with enasidenib.

Patterns of Diagnostic Evaluation and Determinants of Treatment in Older Patients With Non-transfusion Dependent Myelodysplastic Syndromes.

BACKGROUND: Older patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), particularly those with no or one cytopenia and no transfusion dependence, typically have an indolent course. Approximately, half of these receive the recommended diagnostic evaluation (DE) for MDS. We explored factors determining DE in these patients and its impact on subsequent treatment and outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We used 2011-2014 Medicare data to identify patients ≥66 years of age diagnosed with MDS. We used Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis to identify combinations of factors associated with DE and its impact on subsequent treatment. Variables examined included demographics, comorbidities, nursing home status, and investigative procedures performed. We conducted a logistic regression analysis to identify correlates associated with receipt of DE and treatment. RESULTS: Of 16 851 patients with MDS, 51% underwent DE. patients with MDS with no cytopenia (n = 3908) had the lowest uptake of DE (34.7%). Compared to patients with no cytopenia, those with any cytopenia had nearly 3 times higher odds of receiving DE [adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 2.81: 95% CI, 2.60-3.04] and the odds were higher for men than for women [AOR, 1.39: 95%CI, 1.30-1.48] and for Non-Hispanic Whites [vs. everyone else (AOR, 1.17: 95% CI, 1.06-1.29)]. The CART showed DE as the principal discriminating node, followed by the presence of any cytopenia for receiving MDS treatment. The lowest percentage of treatment was observed in patients without DE, at 14.6%. CONCLUSION: In this select older patients with MDS, we identified disparities in accurate diagnosis by demographic and clinical factors. Receipt of DE influenced subsequent treatment but not survival.

Association between transfusion status and clinical and economic outcomes in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes from the physicians' perspective.

BACKGROUND: The current study investigated physicians' understanding of the impact of transfusion status (TS) on clinical and economic outcomes in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). MATERIALS & METHODS: 378 physicians primarily specializing in hematology/oncology across five European countries completed the survey. The survey asked physicians for their perspectives on the impact of TS on risk of death, risk of progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chance of leukemia-free survival, and number of significant bleeding events, infection events, hospitalizations, and emergency room (ER) visits. RESULTS: Physicians estimated that compared to transfusion-dependent (TD) patients, transfusion-independent (TI) patients had a 37.6% reduced risk of death, lower risk of progression to AML, and lower risk of non-leukemic death, for all MDS risk levels. TD patients who became TI after treatment were estimated to have 40.6% reduced risk of death and 34% reduced risk of progression to AML, compared to TD patients who remained TD. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with TD patients, physicians estimated that TI patients have fewer events of infection and significant bleeding, and experience fewer hospitalizations and ER visits per person per year. Overall, physicians reported better outcomes for TI patients. New treatment options for patients with MDS to reduce or eliminate transfusion burden are warranted.

Eficacia y seguridad de Azacitidina en pacientes con Síndrome Mielodisplásico de alto riesgo / Efficacy and safety of Azacitidine in patients with high-risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome

ANTECECENTES: Los síndromes mielodisplásicos (SMD) son un grupo heterogéneo de trastornos clonales de la medula ósea (MO) asociada a hematopoyesis ineficaz, manifestándose como displasia morfológica de los elementos hematopoyéticos y citopenias periféricas. El tratamiento curativo es el trasplante de células hematopoyéticas, sin embargo, debido a la edad, comorbilidades y aspectos administrativos, no todos los pacientes pueden acceder a este. Esta población de pacientes presentara anemia, infecciones a repetición y sangrados recurrentes. Los pacientes con alto riesgo tienen una sobrevida corta (0.8 meses). TECNOLOGÍA: Azacitidina está aprobado por las agencias reguladoras internacionales. La FDA aprobó el uso de azacitidina desde el 2004, mientras que EMA aprobó su uso desde el 2008. Este fármaco está disponible en nuestro país, y es distribuido por laboratorio TECNOFARMA SAC. DISCUSIÓN: El síndrome mielodisplásico es un grupo heterogéneo de enfermedades que puede tener una corta sobrevida. El tratamiento curativo es el trasplante de células hematopoyéticas, sin embargo, debido a la edad, comorbilidades y aspectos administrativos, no todos los pacientes pueden acceder a este. Esta población de pacientes presentara anemia, infecciones a repetición y sangrados recurrentes que ponen en peligro su vida. Las guías de práctica clínica (GPC) internacionales como la NCCN (2022), British Society for Haematology (BSH) (2021), European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) (2020), recomiendan el empleo de azacitidina en pacientes con SMD con IPSS-R intermedio, alto y muy alto; no candidatos para trasplante (todos con nivel de evidencia II-A). Una revisión sistemática/metaanálisis (2020) determino que azacitidina aumento significativamente TRO (RR = 1.48, 95% IC 1.05­2.1) y remisión completa con recuperación hematológica incompleta (HR = 2.52, IC 95% 1.27­5), con respecto al tratamiento convencional. Azacitidina prolongo significativamente la SG (HR = 0.64, IC 95% 0.50­0.82) con respecto al tratamiento convencional. Sin embargo, azacitidina aumento significativamente el riesgo de NTP grado ≥ 3 (RR = 1.23, IC 95% 1.13­1.35) y trombocitopenia (RR = 1.14, IC 95% 1.04­1.24). Azacitidina está aprobado por las agencias reguladoras internacionales. La FDA aprobó el uso de azacitidina desde el 2004, mientras que EMA aprobó su uso desde el 2008. Este fármaco está disponible en nuestro país, y es distribuido por laboratorio TECNOFARMA SAC. El reporte de uso de medicamentos de alto costo registro a 03 pacientes que recibieron azacitidina durante los ocho primeros meses del año 2021. Los tres pacientes tuvieron un rango de edad entre 51-73 años y la mayoría de ellos recibió solo 01 curso hasta el momento de la publicación del reporte. Con respecto a la toxicidad, 02 pacientes presentaron plaquetopenia grado Posteriormente, se buscaron todos los pacientes con SMD que había recibido tratamiento con azacitidina durante todo el 2021. Cinco pacientes fueron reportados. Uno de los pacientes tenía 1 año con 7 meses, no pudo trasplantarse por no tener hermanos compatibles para procedimiento, por lo que recibió 8 cursos de azacitidina, alcanzando respuesta parcial. Tres de los pacientes presentaron un rango de edad entre 20-50 años, presentaron diagnóstico de SMD con alto riesgo (IPSS-R) y recibieron azacitidina como "puente a trasplante". Uno de ellos recibió solo 01 curso de terapia, mientras que los otros dos recibieron 04 cursos en total. Finalmente, uno de los pacientes, de 47 años de edad, fue diagnosticado con SMD de alto riesgo y recibió solo un curso de azacitidina en setiembre del 2021. La toxicidad reportada fue: plaquetopenia grado 2-4, leucopenia grado 1, neutropenia grado 3. Se presento la evidencia científica disponible en una reunión multidisciplinaria y se discutió la aplicación de la tecnología en el INEN. El área usuaria valida la eficacia y seguridad del uso de azacitidina en los pacientes con síndrome mielodisplásico con IPSS intermedio-2 o de alto riesgo y IPSS-R intermedio, alto o muy alto no candidatos a trasplante o quimioterapia de alta intensidad. También mencionan que su uso puede considerarse como "puente a trasplante", donde también se demostró eficacia y seguridad. Se determinó que el beneficio de la aplicación de azacitidina es moderadamente significativo sobre la supervivencia, con limitada toxicidad, en comparación con tratamiento de soporte, en la población de interés. El balance de efectos favorables entre la intervención y el comparador favorece al uso de azacitidina. Además, se determina que el uso de azacitidina aumentaría la equidad en salud y su aplicación es factible en el INEN. Luego de la emisión de los votos correspondientes, se concluye aprobar el empleo de azacitidina en SMD IPSS-R intermedio, alto y muy alto no candidatos a trasplante ni terapia con intensa. CONCLUSIONES: Síndrome mielodisplásico (SMD) es un grupo heterogéneo de alteraciones caracterizadas por insuficiencia medular ósea. La sobrevida en pacientes con SMD de riesgo intermedio-2 y riesgo alto es de aproximadamente 0.4-1.2 años. Las guías de práctica clínica internacionales (NCCN, BJH y ESMO) recomiendan el uso de azacitidina en pacientes con SMD IPSS-R intermedio, alto y muy alto no candidatos a trasplante ni terapia con intensa. Una RS/MA reciente determino que la terapia con azacitidina es segura y eficaz en pacientes con SMD riesgo IPSS intermedio-2 y alto, demostrando mejorar TR, RCi y SG de forma significativa. La experiencia de tratamiento con azacitidina como tratamiento de pacientes con síndrome mielodisplásico en el INEN es segura y eficaz. Se discutió la evidencia científica disponible en una reunión multidisciplinaria y se concluyó aprobar el empleo de azacitidina en SMD IPSS intermedio-2 o de alto riesgo o IPSS-R intermedio, alto y muy alto no candidatos a trasplante ni terapia con intensa y podría considerarse como puente a trasplante.

Alfaepoetina para o tratamento de pacientes adultos com Síndrome Mielodisplásica de Baixo Risco / Epoetin alfa for the treatment of adult patients with Low-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome

INTRODUÇÃO: A SMD é uma neoplasia hematológica que inclui um grupo heterogêneo de doenças clonais da células-tronco hematopoiéticas (CTH) caracterizadas por hematopoiese ineficaz, citopenia(s) no sangue periférico e com potencial para evoluir para leucemia mieloide aguda. A presença de citopenia(s) no sangue periférico, definida(s) como hemoglobina < 10g/L, contagem absoluta de neutrófilos < 1,8x109 /L, e/ou plaquetas, < 100x109 /L, associada a alterações displásicas no sangue periférico e medula óssea, na ausência de outras doenças sistêmicas que justifiquem a(s) citopenia(s), são fundamentais para o diagnóstico e classificação desse grupo de doenças. Alfaepoetina é uma eritropoietina humana recombinante, que é quase idêntica ao hormônio eritropoietina endógeno (EPO). A alfaepoetina induz a eritropoiese de uma maneira dependente da dose, mas não afeta a expectativa de vida dos eritrócitos. A presente análise objetiva avaliar a ampliação de uso da alfaepoetina para o tratamento de pacientes adultos com SMD-BR e anemia, que já é utilizada no Brasil para outras indicações. Pergunta: "Para pacientes adultos com SMD-BR, o uso da alfaepoetina quando comparada ao suporte transfusional é seguro, eficaz e custo-efetivo?" Evidências clínicas: Dois ensaios clínicos randomizados (ECR), que utilizaram alfaepoetina subcutânea comparada com grupos placebos, foram selecionados a partir de uma busca bibliográfica conduzida nas bases PubMed, EMBASE e Cochrane Reviews. Uma metanálise foi realizada considerando esses dois estudos, totalizando 123 pacientes incluídos no grupo intervenção e 80 pacientes incluídos no grupo controle. Como resultado, a resposta eritroide alcançada foi de 33,3% no grupo intervenção e 7,5% no grupo controle, levando a um risco relativo (RR) de 4,34 (IC95% 1,91-9,85). Além da resposta eritroide a metanálise avaliou a segurança da alfaepoetina, obtendo valores semelhantes de eventos adversos no grupo intervenção e controle, alcançando RR de 0,96 (IC95% 0,69-1,34). Apenas um estudo avaliou a qualidade de vida, e não houve diferença nesse desfecho entre os grupos em qualquer período. Entretanto, a qualidade de vida na semana 24 foi significativamente diferente entre os pacientes que responderam à alfaepoetina e o grupo placebo (Escore do índice EQ-5D p = 0,034). A qualidade da evidência, segundo o GRADE, foi classificada como moderada para todos os desfechos, com exceção da sobrevida, para qual não se obteve resultados na literatura. Avaliação econômica: Foi realizada uma análise de custo-efetividade por meio de árvore de decisão com cinco anos de horizonte temporal, comparando alfaepoetina com o suporte transfusional. Como resultados, observou-se uma redução de custos de R$ 7.659,52/ano por paciente e uma Razão de Custo-Efetividade Incremental (RCEI) de - R$ 294,38 com alfaepoetina, havendo economia, já que o medicamento é mais eficaz e tem menor custo de tratamento na SMD-BR. Além disso, a análise de sensibilidade determinística univariada, considerando maior preço da tecnologia ou redução no percentual de pacientes em tratamento de sobrecarga de ferro, confirmou que a utilização de alfaepoetina representa menor custo de tratamento. Análise de impacto orçamentário: Nos três cenários apresentados a incorporação da alfaepoetina resulta em economia de recursos de até 51,9%, em relação ao cenário referência (suporte transfusional). Em cinco anos, a incorporação da alfaepoetina pode gerar economia de recursos de até R$ 321 milhões. Na análise de sensibilidade univariada, considerando-se dois cenários apresentados, há economia de recursos entre R$ 32 milhões e R$ 55 milhões, em cinco anos. Monitoramento do Horizonte Tecnológico: Foram identificados dois medicamentos no horizonte tecnológico, tais como luspatercept, aprovado em 2020 no FDA e na EMA para o tratamento de anemia em adultos com SMD de risco muito baixo a intermediário e que falharam aos estimulantes de eritropoiese, mas sem registro na Anvisa para qualquer indicação; e roxadustat, aprovado na EMA em 2021 para o tratamento de anemia em pacientes com insuficiência renal crônica, mas sem registro na Anvisa e FDA para qualquer indicação. Considerações finais: A evidência considerada foi composta por dois ECR de qualidade moderada de acordo com o GRADE, sendo que ambos estudos apresentam resultados favoráveis quanto ao desfecho resposta eritroide e segurança, conforme metanálise condizida. A análise de custo-efetividade encontrou que em relação ao suporte transfusional, o uso da alfaepoetina proporcionaria a redução de custos de R$ 7.659,52/ano por paciente e que a RCEI com o uso da alfaepoetina foi de - R$ 294,38, ou seja, há uma economia com o uso dessa tecnologia para o tratamento da SMD-BR. Na avaliação de impacto orçamentário, a incorporação da alfaepoetina resulta em economia de recursos de até 51,9% (até R$ 321 milhões), em relação ao cenário referência (suporte transfusional). Recomendação preliminar da Conitec: O Plenário da Conitec, em sua 104ª Reunião Ordinária, no dia 08 de dezembro de 2021, deliberou que a matéria fosse disponibilizada em Consulta Pública com recomendação preliminar favorável à ampliação de uso da alfaepoetina para o tratamento de pacientes com Síndrome Mielodisplásica de Baixo Risco com indicação de uso no SUS. Os membros da Conitec consideraram os resultados apresentados (resposta eritroide, qualidade de vida, segurança e avaliação econômica), bem como os argumentos relacionados ao acesso ao medicamento, levantados pelo Plenário, para tomar essa decisão. Consulta pública: A Consulta Pública nº 119 foi realizada entre os dias 28/12/2021 e 17/01/2022. Foram recebidas 45 contribuições, sendo 10 técnico-científicas e 35 sobre experiência ou opinião. Em geral, todas as contribuições concordaram com a recomendação inicial da Conitec, principalmente reforçando a necessidade de ampliação de uso do medicamento. Assim, o Plenário da Conitec entendeu que não houve argumentação suficiente para mudança de entendimento acerca de sua recomendação preliminar. Recomendação final da Conitec: O Plenário da Conitec, em sua 105ª Reunião Ordinária, no dia 09 de fevereiro de 2022, deliberou por maioria simples recomendar a ampliação de uso da alfaepoetina para o tratamento de pacientes com Síndrome Mielodisplásica de Baixo Risco conforme Protocolo Clínico do Ministério da Saúde. Os membros da Conitec consideraram que as evidências científicas sobre o medicamento demonstratam que sua ampliação de uso no SUS seria benéfica aos pacientes com SMD-BR. Além disso, deliberou-se que o presente Relatório de Recomendação seja encaminhado à Anvisa ao final do processo, com o intuito de se esclarecer questões relativas à utilização da alfaepoetina para o tratamento da SMD-BR no Brasil, do ponto de vista regulatório. Por fim, foi assinado o Registro de Deliberação nº 694/2022. Decisão: Ampliar o uso da alfaepoetina para o tratamento de pacientes com síndrome mielodisplásica de baixo risco, conforme Protocolo Clínico do Ministério da Saúde, no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saúde - SUS conforme a Portaria nº 45, publicada no Diário Oficial da União nº 95, seção 1, página 88, em 20 de maio de 2022.

Assessment of Transporter-Mediated Drug Interactions for Enasidenib Based on a Cocktail Study in Patients With Relapse or Refractory Acute Myeloid Leukemia or Myelodysplastic Syndrome.

As a first-in-class, selective, potent inhibitor of the isocitrate dehydrogenase-2 (IDH2) mutant protein, enasidenib was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2017 for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia with an isocitrate dehydrogenase-2 mutation. An in vitro study showed that enasidenib at clinically relevant concentrations has effects on multiple drug metabolic enzymes and transporters, including inhibition of P-glycoprotein, breast cancer resistance protein, organic anion transporter (OAT) P1B1, and OATP1B3 transporters. Therefore, a drug-drug interaction study was conducted to assess the impact of enasidenib at steady state on the pharmacokinetics of several probe compounds in patients with relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome, including the probes herein described in this article, digoxin and rosuvastatin. Results from 8 patients (all Asian) with a mean age of 67.1 years showed that following coadministration of enasidenib (100 mg, 28-day once-daily schedule) for 28 days (at steady state), digoxin's (0.25 mg) area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time 0 to 30 days was 1.2-fold (90% confidence interval, 0.9-1.6), compared with digoxin alone. Following coadministration of enasidenib (100 mg, 28-day once-daily schedule) for 28 days (at steady state), rosuvastatin's (10 mg) area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time 0 to infinity was 3.4-fold (90% confidence interval, 2.6-4.5) compared with rosuvastatin alone. These results should serve as the basis for dose recommendations for drugs that are substrates of P-glycoprotein, breast cancer resistance protein, OATP1B1, and OATP1B3 transporters, when used concomitantly with enasidenib.

Real-world use and outcomes of hypomethylating agent therapy in higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes: why are we not achieving the promise of clinical trials?

Myelodysplastic syndromes are hematological malignancies characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis and a high risk of progression to acute myeloid leukemia. Hypomethylating agents (HMAs), azacitidine and decitabine, are standard of care therapy for higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes. However, outcomes reported for real-world studies fall short of those achieved in clinical trials. We conducted a targeted literature review exploring real-world utilization, persistence and outcomes with intravenous and subcutaneous HMA therapies to better understand barriers to achieving optimal outcomes in clinical practice. The potential benefits of oral HMA therapy were also explored. Underutilization and poor persistence with HMA therapy are associated with suboptimal outcomes, highlighting the need for approaches to improve utilization and persistence, so that patients achieve the optimum benefit from HMA therapy.

Lay abstract Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are bone marrow disorders affecting the production of blood cells. In some patients, MDS can progress to acute myeloid leukemia (AML), an aggressive blood cancer with poor prognosis. Patients with higher-risk MDS are often treated with a type of chemotherapy called hypomethylating agents (HMAs). Studies conducted in real-world clinical practice have shown HMAs to be less effective than has been found in clinical trials. We reviewed available studies exploring real-world utilization, persistence and outcomes with current HMA therapies to better understand any barriers to patients achieving the best outcomes. Two important factors were found to be the underuse of HMAs and poor persistence with HMA therapy, highlighting the need for approaches to improve HMA utilization and persistence.

Clinical effectiveness of DNA methyltransferase inhibitors and lenalidomide in older patients with refractory anemia with ring sideroblasts: a population-based study in the United States.

Existing studies regarding the role of DNA methyltransferase inhibitors (DNMTi) and lenalidomide in refractory anemia with ring sideroblasts (RARS) are limited. Using the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results-medicare database, we assembled a population-based cohort of older adults diagnosed with non-del(5q) lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes during 2007-2015. Of 2167 patients, 30% had RARS. About 16% of RARS and non- ring sideroblasts (RS) patients received DNMTi. RARS patients were more likely to receive lenalidomide (11.1% vs. 7.1%, p < 0.01). Among patients who were transfusion-dependent at treatment initiation, 55.6% of those treated with DNMTi only and 42.5% treated with lenalidomide only achieved red blood cell transfusion independence (RBC-TI) for a median duration of 21 and 12 weeks, respectively. RS status did not impact rate of RBC-TI. RARS patients had a significantly better survival, and the median survival of RARS patients varied by treatment group. In this population-based study of older RARS patients, DNMTi and lenalidomide were clinically active.

Persistence to hypomethylating agents and clinical and economic outcomes among patients with myelodysplastic syndromes.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate hypomethylating agent (HMA) persistence in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and examine its association with healthcare resource utilization (HRU) and progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). METHODS: A total of 2,400 adults diagnosed with MDS initiating HMAs were included from IBM MarketScan databases during 1/1/2011-3/31/2018. The index date was HMA initiation following MDS diagnosis. Patients were classified according to their persistence status by the end of a fixed 'landmark period' of 4 months post-index. RESULTS: Median persistence to HMAs was 5.6 months (95% CI: 5.2, 6.1); HMA non-persistence increased with time. Non-persistent patients had a significantly higher non-HMA-related HRU burden than persistent patients [adjusted incidence rate ratios, outpatient visits: 1.12 (95% CI: 1.10, 1.14); inpatient visits: 1.48 (95% CI: 1.30, 1.69); emergency department visits 1.30 (95% CI: 1.12, 1.50); all p-values < 0.001]. All-cause and HMA-related outpatient visits were lower among non-persistent patients, likely because of fewer HMA administration-related visits. The incidence rate of AML was numerically, although not significantly, higher in non-persistent patients, when starting follow-up at the end of the landmark period. When follow-up began at the index date, non-persistent patients had a significantly higher rate of AML [adjusted hazard ratio, 1.88 (95% CI: 1.53, 2.32); p-value < 0.001]. CONCLUSIONS: HMA non-persistence, which increased over time, was associated with significantly higher non-HMA-related HRU, and numerically higher AML progression in MDS patients initiating HMAs. Future studies should evaluate predictors of HMA non-persistence in this patient population.

Healthcare resource utilization and costs in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes treated with hypomethylating agents: a SEER-Medicare analysis.

AIMS: To describe healthcare resource utilization (HRU) and costs in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) treated with hypomethylating agents (HMA) based on HMA-treatment response. MATERIALS AND METHODS: SEER-Medicare data (January 2006-December 2016) were used to identify adults diagnosed with MDS (SEER: January 2009-December 2015) initiated on HMA (index date). HMA-treatment success (indicators: ≥7 HMA cycles, stem cell transplantation, and transfusion independence) or failure (indicators: acute myeloid leukemia [AML], AML-like treatment, and death) was determined using a claim-based algorithm. HRU and costs were assessed from the index date to 1-year post-index, overall and stratified by HMA-treatment success or failure. Among patients with HMA-treatment failure, HRU and costs were also assessed from failure to 1-year post-failure. RESULTS: The study included 3,046 patients (mean age: 77.4 years; females: 36.8%). Rates of HMA-treatment success and failure were 44.4% and 76.2%, respectively (20.6% had HMA-treatment success then failure). Overall, patients had 15.2 inpatient admissions per-100-patients-per-month (median follow-up: 5.9 months). Patients with HMA-treatment success had 7.5 inpatient admissions per-100-patients-per-month (median follow-up: 12.0 months), while those with HMA-treatment failure had 20.4 and 35.3 admissions per-100-patients-per-month pre- and post-HMA-treatment failure, respectively (median follow-up: 4.3 and 1.8 months, pre- and post-HMA-treatment failure, respectively). Mean total healthcare costs were $12,494 per-patient-per-month overall, $8,069 per-patient-per-month among patients with HMA-treatment success, and $13,809 and $19,242 per-patient-per-month pre- and post-HMA-treatment failure, respectively. Outpatient costs (68.3%) were the main contributor of total healthcare costs overall, while inpatient costs (80.3%) were the main cost driver post-HMA-treatment failure. LIMITATIONS: Without available laboratory test results, clinical indicators observed in claims were used to assess HMA-treatment response. CONCLUSIONS: Over 75% of patients with MDS failed HMA-treatment within 6 months of initiation and were observed with more inpatient admissions than those with HMA-treatment success, translating into substantially higher healthcare costs. HMA-treatment failure results in an important economic burden in MDS patients.

Direct Medical Costs Associated With Treatment Nonpersistence in Patients With Higher-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes Receiving Hypomethylating Agents: A Large Retrospective Cohort Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Suboptimal use of hypomethylating agents (HMAs) among higher-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (HR-MDS) patients can translate into worse health outcomes and economic burden. We estimated the direct medical costs associated with HMA treatment nonpersistence among HR-MDS patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare linked database, a retrospective cohort of patients diagnosed with refractory anemia with excess blasts (RAEB), a diagnosis that substantially overlaps with HR-MDS, between January 2011 and December 2015 was analyzed. Patients who had ≥ 1 year of continuous Medicare enrollment before diagnosis and who did not receive stem cell transplant or lenalidomide in the follow-up period were included. Patients receiving HMAs were stratified into HMA persistent (≥4 HMA cycles) and HMA nonpersistent (<4 cycles or a gap of ≥ 90 days between cycles) groups. Healthcare resource use and costs during the follow-up period were reported descriptively as total and per patient per month (PPPM). Weighted generalized linear models (GLM) were used to compare estimated healthcare resource use and costs between HMA groups. RESULTS: Among the 664 patients with RAEB, 295 (44.4%) were HMA nonpersistent and 369 (55.6%) HMA persistent. On the basis of weighted GLM analysis, the HMA nonpersistent group incurred significantly (P < .05) higher total PPPM costs compared to the HMA persistent group ($18,039 vs. $13,893), particularly for hospitalization ($3,375 vs. $2,131), and emergency room ($5,517 vs. $2,867) costs. CONCLUSION: There is a substantial economic burden associated with early discontinuation of guideline-recommended HMA therapy in RAEB patients. The study findings necessitate closer care management in this population in order to improve outcomes and reduce healthcare spending.

Asia-inclusive global development of pevonedistat: Clinical pharmacology and translational research enabling a phase 3 multiregional clinical trial.

The investigational NEDD8-activating enzyme inhibitor pevonedistat is being evaluated in combination with azacitidine versus single-agent azacitidine in patients with higher-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (higher-risk MDS), higher-risk chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (higher-risk CMML), or low-blast acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in a Phase 3 trial PANTHER. To support Asia-inclusive global development, we applied multiregional clinical trial (MRCT) principles of the International Conference on Harmonisation E17 guidelines by evaluating similarity in drug-related and disease-related intrinsic and extrinsic factors. A PubMed literature review (January 2000-November 2019) supported similarity in epidemiology of higher-risk MDS, AML, and CMML in Western and East Asian populations. Furthermore, the treatment of MDS/AML was similar in both East Asian and Western regions, with the same dose of azacitidine being the standard of care. Median overall survival in MDS following azacitidine treatment was generally comparable across regions, and the types and frequencies of molecular alterations in AML and MDS were comparable. Dose-escalation studies established the same maximum tolerated dose of pevonedistat in combination with azacitidine in Western and East Asian populations. Pevonedistat clearance was similar across races. Taken together, conservation of drug-related and disease-related intrinsic and extrinsic factors supported design of an Asia-inclusive Phase 3 trial and a pooled East Asian region. A sample size of ~ 30 East Asian patients (of ~ 450 randomized) was estimated as needed to demonstrate consistency in efficacy relative to the global population. This analysis is presented as an exemplar to illustrate application of clinical pharmacology and translational science principles in designing Asia-inclusive MRCTs. Study Highlights WHAT IS THE CURRENT KNOWLEDGE ON THE TOPIC? Azacitidine is the standard of care for myelodysplastic syndromes/low-blast acute myeloid leukemia (AML) across Western and East Asian patients. The first-in-class small-molecule inhibitor of NEDD8-activating enzyme, pevonedistat, has been investigated as a single agent in multiple studies of hematologic and nonhematologic malignancies and in combination with azacitidine in elderly patients with untreated AML. WHAT QUESTION DID THIS STUDY ADDRESS? By applying clinical pharmacology and translational science and International Conference on Harmonisation E17 principles, this study designed an East Asian-inclusive global pivotal Phase 3 trial of pevonedistat, taking into consideration drug-related and disease-related intrinsic and extrinsic factors. WHAT DOES THIS STUDY ADD TO OUR KNOWLEDGE? These analyses provide scientific rationale for Asia-inclusive globalization of the pivotal, Phase 3 PANTHER trial and for pooling clinical data across the East Asian region for assessing consistency in efficacy. HOW MIGHT THIS CHANGE CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY OR TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE? We developed a framework to facilitate efficient global clinical development of investigational therapies for rare cancers and orphan diseases in Asia-inclusive multiregional clinical trials.

Treatment patterns and outcomes in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes treated with hypomethylating agents: a SEER-Medicare analysis.

To describe real-world treatment patterns and outcomes among adult patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) treated with hypomethylating agents (HMA), patients were identified in the SEER-Medicare database (01/2006-12/2016); 3,046 patients with MDS treated with HMA were included. An algorithm was developed to categorize patients into MDS risk groups: the majority of patients were classified as Higher-risk (70.9%), 8.0% as Intermediate-risk, and 21.1% as Unknown-risk. Overall, 77.4% of patients initiated azacitidine and 22.6% decitabine; they received an average of 5.1 index-HMA cycles, of which 90.9% were complete with a median cycle duration of 28 days. Median survival was 11.6, 18.4, and 19.1 months for the Higher-risk, Intermediate-risk, and Unknown-risk groups, respectively. Median time-to-AML transformation was 19.3 months for the Higher-risk group and 50.4 months for the Intermediate-risk group (not reached for Unknown-risk). Data highlight the unmet medical needs of patients with MDS treated with HMA, particularly for the Higher-risk MDS group.

Real-World Costs of Azacitidine Treatment in Patients With Higher-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes/Low Blast-Count Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

PURPOSE: Azacitidine (AZA) is a standard of care for higher-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)/low blast-count acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Despite this, there is a paucity of data on the real-world health care resource utilization costs of AZA in this population. METHODS: We linked the Ontario AZA MDS registry-higher-risk MDS/low blast-count AML-to population-based health system administrative databases. Patients were observed for 24 months after first AZA and censored at the earliest of 90 days after last AZA, date of death, time of AML induction/stem-cell transplantation, or March 31, 2016. Costs (2015 Canadian dollars) were expressed as standardized mean and median 28-day costs. Univariable quantile regression was used to explore the association of baseline patient and disease characteristics and median cost. Multivariable quantile regression was used to explore predictors of median costs. RESULTS: Among 877 patients in the registry, mean standardized 28-day cost per patient was $17,638 (median, $15,272; interquartile range [IQR], $11,869-$19,580) and $13,450 (median, $11,043; IQR, $7,981-$14,882) excluding the cost of AZA. Major nondrug drivers of cost were cancer clinic visits and inpatient care (mean standardized 28-day cost, $4,631; median, $1,558; IQR, $238-$4,961). Transfusion dependence at AZA initiation (P = .001) and greater comorbid disease burden (P = .009) were independently associated with increased cost. CONCLUSION: Our cohort of patients with uniformly higher-risk MDS/low blast-count AML treated with AZA demonstrates substantial costs of care above and beyond the cost of AZA alone. These results provide insight into the costs of AZA in the real world with implications for resource allocation.

Association of provider experience and clinical outcomes in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes receiving hypomethylating agents.

Population level survival of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) treated with hypomethylating agents (HMA) is inferior to clinical trials. Using SEER-Medicare data, we identified 2086 MDS patients diagnosed in 2004-13, aged ≥66 years at diagnosis, and receiving ≥1 HMA cycle after 2005. We used multivariate logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models to assess the impact of provider experience on persistent HMA therapy and overall survival (OS), respectively. Median number of HMA cycles was 4 and median OS was 10 months. Thirty-two percent of patients were treated by providers with ≥1 prior HMA initiation in the last 2 years and were more likely to receive ≥4 cycles of HMA therapy (OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.06-1.57; p = .01). No significant association was found between MDS or HMA initiation volume and survival. In conclusion, while HMA initiation volume was associated with persistent HMA treatment, neither MDS nor HMA initiation volumes were associated with OS in older MDS patients.

Comprehensive geriatric assessment predicts azacitidine treatment duration and survival in older patients with myelodysplastic syndromes.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of older patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is based on disease biology and performance status. Performance status, however, does not reflect increasing co-morbidities, functional dependence or psychosocial issues in older patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study evaluated the burden of geriatric related health issues, assessed feasibility of "tailored" Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA), and compared treatment duration and survival in older patients with MDS and oligoblastic acute myeloid leukemia with and without deficits in CGA domains (n = 98). RESULTS: Although only 27 (28%) patients had an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score ≥2, 78% (n = 77) patients had deficits in at least one CGA domain. Deficits were spread across all CGA domains, including dependence for instrumental activity of daily living (iADL; n = 33, 34%). Importantly, patients who were dependent for iADL (3.7 ±â€¯2.6 vs 12.1 ±â€¯7.9; p = .009), had cognitive impairment (3.5 ±â€¯2.1 vs. 10.9 ±â€¯7.9; p = .034) or impaired mobility (3.8 ±â€¯2.5 vs. 13.2 ±â€¯7.6; p = .001) completed significantly less azacitidine cycles as compared to those without these deficits. Cox-proportional regression showed that iADL dependency (hazard ratio 3.37; p = .008) and higher comorbidities (hazard ratio 4.7; p < .001) were associated with poor prognosis independent of disease related factors. Poor survival of iADL dependent patients was seen in both azacitidine (6 vs 19 months; p < .001) and supportive care cohorts (26 vs 48 months; p = .01). CONCLUSION: CGA detected geriatric related health issues, predicted poor survival and identified patients less likely to continue and benefit from azacitidine. Hence, CGA should be included in the treatment decision algorithm of older patients with MDS.

Hypomethylating agent (HMA) therapy use and survival in older adults with Refractory Anemia with Excess Blasts (RAEB) in the United States (USA): a large propensity score-matched population-based study†.

Hypomethylating agents (HMA) showed overall survival (OS) benefits in patients with higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (HR-MDS) in clinical trials. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare data of patients ≥66 years diagnosed with refractory anemia with excess blasts (RAEB), a proxy for HR-MDS, in 01/2001-04/2004 (pre-period) or 01/2006-12/2011 (post-period). Association between post-period diagnosis and OS was examined using propensity scores (PS)-matched samples. Among 1876 RAEB patients, median OS was 9 months and 30.8% received HMAs (3.6% in pre-period; 43.0% in post-period) with no association between post-period diagnosis and OS. In the top PS quartile, post-period diagnosis was associated with a 74% lower risk of death (Hazard ratio [HR] = 0.26, 95%-CI: 0.10-0.69, p = 0.007), while outcomes were worse in the lowest PS quartile (HR = 2.80, 95%-CI: 1.06-7.36, p = 0.037). HMA lead to a 3-month OS benefit for patients most likely to receive HMA but not for unselected RAEB cohort.

The tale of lenalidomide clinical superiority over thalidomide and regulatory and cost-effectiveness issues.

In April 2017, the National Sanitary Surveillance Agency (ANVISA-Brazil) approved lenalidomide (LEN) for multiple myeloma (MM) and myelodysplastic syndrome. ANVISA had rejected the first application in 2010, and denied a request for reconsideration in 2012. The reason for rejection was the lack of comparative effectiveness studies proving that LEN was more effective than thalidomide (THAL), a strictly controlled drug regulated by Federal law 10.651/2003 and dispensed to patients (at no costs) through public health system units and hospitals. ANVISA unexplained retreat on the LEN approval for marketing was an unquestionable triumph of the lobbying that ensued the denial, at the forefront of which were politicians, Congress members, patient organizations and medical societies. Two randomized (phase III) trials and three observational (case-control and population-based cohort) compared the effectiveness of THAL- versus LEN-based therapies in MM. Overall, these studies showed no difference in efficacy between LEN- and THAL-based therapies. LEN caused less neuropathy, and more severe hematologic adverse effects. It is much costlier than THAL, and substitution of THAL by LEN shall raise considerably public healthcare costs in Brazil.

The tale of lenalidomide clinical superiority over thalidomide and regulatory and cost-effectiveness issues / A narrativa de que a lenalidomida é clinicamente superior à talidomida, e questões regulatórias e de custo-efetividade

Abstract In April 2017, the National Sanitary Surveillance Agency (ANVISA-Brazil) approved lenalidomide (LEN) for multiple myeloma (MM) and myelodysplastic syndrome. ANVISA had rejected the first application in 2010, and denied a request for reconsideration in 2012. The reason for rejection was the lack of comparative effectiveness studies proving that LEN was more effective than thalidomide (THAL), a strictly controlled drug regulated by Federal law 10.651/2003 and dispensed to patients (at no costs) through public health system units and hospitals. ANVISA unexplained retreat on the LEN approval for marketing was an unquestionable triumph of the lobbying that ensued the denial, at the forefront of which were politicians, Congress members, patient organizations and medical societies. Two randomized (phase III) trials and three observational (case-control and population-based cohort) compared the effectiveness of THAL- versus LEN-based therapies in MM. Overall, these studies showed no difference in efficacy between LEN- and THAL-based therapies. LEN caused less neuropathy, and more severe hematologic adverse effects. It is much costlier than THAL, and substitution of THAL by LEN shall raise considerably public healthcare costs in Brazil.

Resumo A Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA) aprovou em abril de 2017 a lenalidomida (LEN) para o mieloma múltiplo (MM) e síndrome mielodisplásica. A ANVISA havia negado o registro em 2010, e indeferido um recurso apresentado em 2012. O motivo do indeferimento foi a falta de estudos comparativos de efetividade demonstrando que LEN era mais eficaz do que a talidomida (TAL), um medicamento rigorosamente controlado pela lei federal 10.651/2003 e dispensado gratuitamente a pacientes através de unidades de saúde e hospitais públicos. O recuo não explicado da ANVISA em relação ao registro da LEN foi um inquestionável triunfo do lobby que sucedeu a recusa inicial do registro, a frente do qual estavam políticos, membros do Congresso, associações de pacientes e sociedades médicas. Dois ensaios randomizados (fase III) e três estudos observacionais (caso-controle e coorte de base populacional) compararam a efetividade de terapias para o MM com TAL- e com LEN. Em conjunto, esses estudos mostraram que não havia diferenças quanto a eficácia de tratamentos com LEN- e aqueles com TAL. A LEN causou menos neuropatias, e efeitos adversos hematológicos mais graves. Ela é muito mais cara do que a TAL, e a substituição da TAL pela LEN aumentará muito os custos da assistência pública à saúde no Brasil.