Functional genomic landscape of acute myeloid leukaemia.

The implementation of targeted therapies for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) has been challenging because of the complex mutational patterns within and across patients as well as a dearth of pharmacologic agents for most mutational events. Here we report initial findings from the Beat AML programme on a cohort of 672 tumour specimens collected from 562 patients. We assessed these specimens using whole-exome sequencing, RNA sequencing and analyses of ex vivo drug sensitivity. Our data reveal mutational events that have not previously been detected in AML. We show that the response to drugs is associated with mutational status, including instances of drug sensitivity that are specific to combinatorial mutational events. Integration with RNA sequencing also revealed gene expression signatures, which predict a role for specific gene networks in the drug response. Collectively, we have generated a dataset-accessible through the Beat AML data viewer (Vizome)-that can be leveraged to address clinical, genomic, transcriptomic and functional analyses of the biology of AML.

Reproductive Safety of Trazodone After Maternal Exposure in Early Pregnancy: A Comparative ENTIS Cohort Study.

PURPOSE/BACKGROUND: Trazodone is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder, but more frequently prescribed off-label at lower doses for insomnia in women of childbearing age. The aim of this study was to assess the risks linked to trazodone exposure during pregnancy for which limited safety data are available. METHODS/PROCEDURES: This multicenter, observational prospective cohort study compared pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to trazodone in early pregnancy against those in a reference group of women exposed to a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) between 1996 and 2021. FINDINGS/RESULTS: The sample included 221 trazodone and 869 SSRI-exposed pregnancies. Exposure to trazodone in the first trimester was not associated with a significant difference in the risk of major congenital anomalies (trazodone [1/169, 0.6%]; SSRI [19/730, 2.6%]; adjusted odds ratio, 0.2; 95% confidence interval, 0.03-1.77). The cumulative incidences of live birth were 61% and 73% in the trazodone and reference group, respectively (25% vs 18% for pregnancy loss and 14% vs 10% for pregnancy termination). Trazodone exposure was not associated with a significantly increased risk of pregnancy termination and pregnancy loss. The rate of small for gestational age infants did not differ between the groups. IMPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS: This study did not reveal a significant difference in the risk of major congenital anomalies after first trimester exposure to trazodone, compared with SSRI exposure. Although this study is the largest so far, these results call for confirmation through further studies.

Four cases of audio-vestibular disorders related to immunisation with SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines.

OBJECTIVE: To gain medical insight into the clinical course and safety of otolaryngologic disorders following immunisation with severe acute respiratory coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) mRNA-based vaccines. DESIGN: Case description. STUDY SAMPLE: We report four cases of transient audio-vestibular symptoms, which occurred shortly after inoculation of two BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech®) and mRNA-1273 (Moderna®) vaccines. RESULTS: Hearing loss was unilateral in all cases and recovered at least partially: it was associated with persistent gait instability in two cases, after 1 and 7 months. Trigger mechanisms underpinning audio-vestibular impairment remain uncertain. Immune tolerance mechanisms with off-target innate activation of T-lymphocytes may be involved in vestibulocochlear nerve disorders, as for other cranial nerves involvement. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of audio-vestibular manifestations following mRNA-based vaccines needs ENT monitoring to support their causality in such rare vaccine-related adverse events. Audio-vestibular disorders appeared of transitory nature, including hearing loss, and should not deter further efforts in large-scale vaccination campaigns against SARS-CoV-2.

Dosing strategies of imipenem in neonates based on pharmacometric modelling and simulation.

OBJECTIVES: Imipenem is a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent used in critically ill neonates after failure of first-line treatments. Few studies have described imipenem disposition in this population. The objectives of our study were: (i) to characterize imipenem population pharmacokinetics (PK) in a cohort of neonates; and (ii) to conduct model-based simulations to evaluate the performance of six different dosing regimens aiming at optimizing PK target attainment. METHODS: A total of 173 plasma samples from 82 neonates were collected over 15 years at the Lausanne University Hospital, Switzerland. The majority of study subjects were preterm neonates with a median gestational age (GA) of 27 weeks (range: 24-41), a postnatal age (PNA) of 21 days (2-153) and a body weight (BW) of 1.16 kg (0.5-4.1). PK data were analysed using non-linear mixed-effect modelling (NONMEM). RESULTS: A one-compartment model best characterized imipenem disposition. Population PK parameters estimates of CL and volume of distribution were 0.21 L/h and 0.73 L, with an interpatient variability (CV%) of 20.1% on CL in a representative neonate (GA 27 weeks, PNA 21 days, BW 1.16 kg, serum creatinine, SCr 46.6 µmol/L). GA and PNA exhibited the greatest impact on PK parameters, followed by SCr. These covariates explained 36% and 15% of interindividual variability in CL, respectively.Simulated regimens using a dose of 20-25 mg/kg every 6-12 h according to postnatal age led to the highest PTA (T>MIC over 100% of time). CONCLUSIONS: Dosing adjustment according to BW, GA and PNA optimizes imipenem exposure in neonates.

Genomic landscape of neutrophilic leukemias of ambiguous diagnosis.

Chronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL), atypical chronic myeloid leukemia (aCML), and myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms, unclassifiable (MDS/MPN-U) are a group of rare and heterogeneous myeloid disorders. There is strong morphologic resemblance among these distinct diagnostic entities as well as a lack of specific molecular markers and limited understanding of disease pathogenesis, which has made diagnosis challenging in certain cases. The treatment has remained empirical, resulting in dismal outcomes. We, therefore, performed whole-exome and RNA sequencing of these rare hematologic malignancies and present the most complete survey of the genomic landscape of these diseases to date. We observed a diversity of combinatorial mutational patterns that generally do not cluster within any one diagnosis. Gene expression analysis reveals enrichment, but not cosegregation, of clinical and genetic disease features with transcriptional clusters. In conclusion, these groups of diseases represent a continuum of related diseases rather than discrete diagnostic entities.

Personalized mobile technologies for lifestyle behavior change: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression.

Given that the one-size-fits-all approach to mobile health interventions have limited effects, a personalized approach might be necessary to promote healthy behaviors and prevent chronic conditions. Our systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of personalized mobile interventions on lifestyle behaviors (i.e., physical activity, diet, smoking and alcohol consumption), and identify the effective key features of such interventions. We included any experimental trials that tested a personalized mobile app or fitness tracker and reported any lifestyle behavior measures. We conducted a narrative synthesis for all studies, and a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Thirty-nine articles describing 31 interventions were included (n = 77,243, 64% women). All interventions personalized content and rarely personalized other features. Source of data included system-captured (12 interventions), user-reported (11 interventions) or both (8 interventions). The meta-analysis showed a moderate positive effect on lifestyle behavior outcomes (standardized difference in means [SDM] 0.663, 95% CI 0.228 to 1.10). A meta-regression model including source of data found that interventions that used system-captured data for personalization were associated with higher effectiveness than those that used user-reported data (SDM 1.48, 95% CI 0.76 to 2.19). In summary, the field is in its infancy, with preliminary evidence of the potential efficacy of personalization in improving lifestyle behaviors. Source of data for personalization might be important in determining intervention effectiveness. To fully exploit the potential of personalization, future high-quality studies should investigate the integration of multiple data from different sources and include personalized features other than content.

Do smartphone applications and activity trackers increase physical activity in adults? Systematic review, meta-analysis and metaregression.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of physical activity interventions involving mobile applications (apps) or trackers with automated and continuous self-monitoring and feedback. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES: PubMed and seven additional databases, from 2007 to 2020. STUDY SELECTION: Randomised controlled trials in adults (18-65 years old) without chronic illness, testing a mobile app or an activity tracker, with any comparison, where the main outcome was a physical activity measure. Independent screening was conducted. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: We conducted random effects meta-analysis and all effect sizes were transformed into standardised difference in means (SDM). We conducted exploratory metaregression with continuous and discrete moderators identified as statistically significant in subgroup analyses. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Physical activity: daily step counts, min/week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, weekly days exercised, min/week of total physical activity, metabolic equivalents. RESULTS: Thirty-five studies met inclusion criteria and 28 were included in the meta-analysis (n=7454 participants, 28% women). The meta-analysis showed a small-to-moderate positive effect on physical activity measures (SDM 0.350, 95% CI 0.236 to 0.465, I2=69%, T 2=0.051) corresponding to 1850 steps per day (95% CI 1247 to 2457). Interventions including text-messaging and personalisation features were significantly more effective in subgroup analyses and metaregression. CONCLUSION: Interventions using apps or trackers seem to be effective in promoting physical activity. Longer studies are needed to assess the impact of different intervention components on long-term engagement and effectiveness.

A case study of 10 patients administered HBOC-201 in high doses over a prolonged period: outcomes during severe anemia when transfusion is not an option.

BACKGROUND: Hemoglobin-Based Oxygen Carriers (HBOCs) can act as an "oxygen bridge" in acute severe anemia when transfusion is indicated, but not possible. We present data on 10 Expanded Access (EA) patients treated with high cumulative doses of Hemopure (HBOC-201), to assess the ability of HBOC-201 to safely treat life threatening anemia in situations where high volumes of product were administered over an extended period of time. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Inclusion in this study required that the patient receive at least 10 units of HBOC-201 between 2014 and 2017 under the FDA-sanctioned EA program. Depending on a patient's geographical location, treatment with HBOC-201 was obtained through either a single patient emergency Investigational New Drug (IND) application, or an intermediate size population IND. Of the 41 patients who were treated during this period, 10 patients received 10 or more units of the product. Data were obtained from medical records. RESULTS: Treatments with HBOC-201 started within 24 hours of signing consent and were administered at an average rate of 1.99 (SD 0.17) units per day over a mean of 8.2 days (SD 2.9), during which patients received on average 16.2 units (SD 5.7 units) of HBOC-201. The median pre-treatment nadir corpuscular hemoglobin (Hb) concentration was 3.3 (SD 0.9) g/dL and post-treatment Hemoglobin was 7.3 (SD 1.7) g/dL. Common side effects included methemoglobinemia, gastrointestinal symptoms, and hypertension. However, no product-related serious adverse events (SAEs) were noted. All patients survived. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of HBOC-201 over an extended period is a feasible and safe oxygen bridge for severely anemic patients who cannot be transfused with RBC.

Optimisation of vancomycin exposure in neonates based on the best level of evidence.

There is no consensus regarding optimal dosing of vancomycin in term or preterm neonates. Various available dosing recommendations are based on age, kidney function and/or body weight to define a starting dose. Our objectives were (i) to develop a comprehensive population PK model of vancomycin in a large cohort of neonates and (ii) to evaluate and compare the performances of current dosing approaches with respect to target attainment, using simulations based on our model. This will serve the purpose to recommend the best dosing approaches among existing regimens in the early and later phases after treatment initiation as a complementary approach to therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). A total 405 neonates provided 1831 vancomycin concentrations measured during routine TDM. A one-compartment model with linear elimination incorporating covariates such as age, kidney function and body weight was developed (NONMEM®). The final model was applied to simulate in our population vancomycin exposure resulting from 20 dosing guidelines identified in the literature. Proportions of patients within and above target exposure were used as a performance measure. Target attainment meant area under the curve/minimal inhibitory concentration (AUC24/MIC) ratio of 400-700 h and trough concentration of 10-20 mg/L, both on days 1 and 7. Most current vancomycin dosing regimens fail to ensure target attainment in a majority of neonates. Insufficiently dosed regimens should be avoided, especially in centers with widespread coagulase negative Staphylococci. Adding a loading dose to simple regimens is best recommended to increase the proportion of early target attainment. Complex regimens seem to marginally improve exposure. Optimisation of efficacy while minimizing toxicity of vancomycin in neonates is needed. The application of a simple dosing regimens like NNF7 or the Neofax Hi-Dose regimens, with a 25 mg/kg loading dose for severe infections, or the SmPC regimen should be recommended to ensure the highest proportion of target attainment after 24 h. TDM should then be carried out, to account for residual unexplained variability in vancomycin elimination.

Midazolam as a first-line treatment for neonatal seizures: Retrospective study.

Midazolam is commonly used to treat refractory seizures in newborns and as a first-line anti-epileptic drug in children. Its use as first-line treatment of neonatal seizures has not been investigated so far. We retrospectively studied the tolerability of midazolam in 72 newborn infants who received i.v. or i.n. midazolam as first-line treatment for seizures. No major side-effect exclusively due to midazolam was reported. The i.n. route was used for 20 patients (27.8%). Effectiveness could not be formally evaluated due to the absence of systematic electroencephalogram recording while midazolam was administered. In conclusion, midazolam was well-tolerated as a first-line abortive emergency treatment of neonatal seizure. The i.n. route offers a useful alternative to i.v. phenobarbital or phenytoin in emergency settings.

Polycythemia Vera Management and Challenges in the Community Health Setting.

Patients with polycythemia vera (PV) experience shortened survival, increased risk of thromboembolic and hemorrhagic events, and burdensome symptoms. For all patients with PV, treatment with aspirin and hematocrit control with phlebotomy are recommended. In addition, patients with high-risk status or poor hematocrit control benefit from cytoreductive therapy with hydroxyurea, although approximately 1 in 4 patients develops resistance or intolerance. For patients who are resistant to or intolerant of hydroxyurea, studies have shown that ruxolitinib, a Janus kinase 1/2 inhibitor, provides hematocrit control, reduces spleen size, normalizes blood counts, and improves PV-related symptoms. For many patients, PV is managed in a community health setting, and it is important that community hematologists, oncologists, and internists are familiar with the contemporary management of PV to improve patient outcomes, including management for patients who present with unique health-care needs. This review provides an overview of current treatment options for patients with PV and discusses challenging circumstances encountered by community providers in the management of PV, including symptom assessment, identification of hydroxyurea resistance/intolerance, pregnancy, elective surgeries, concomitant immunosuppressants, and managing patients in areas with limited access to specialized hematologic care.

Mutant calreticulin-expressing cells induce monocyte hyperreactivity through a paracrine mechanism.

Mutations in the calreticulin gene (CALR) were recently identified in approximately 70-80% of patients with JAK2-V617F-negative essential thrombocytosis and primary myelofibrosis. All frameshift mutations generate a recurring novel C-terminus. Here we provide evidence that mutant calreticulin does not accumulate efficiently in cells and is abnormally enriched in the nucleus and extracellular space compared to wildtype calreticulin. The main determinant of these findings is the loss of the calcium-binding and KDEL domains. Expression of type I mutant CALR in Ba/F3 cells confers minimal IL-3-independent growth. Interestingly, expression of type I and type II mutant CALR in a nonhematopoietic cell line does not directly activate JAK/STAT signaling compared to wildtype CALR and JAK2-V617F expression. These results led us to investigate paracrine mechanisms of JAK/STAT activation. Here we show that conditioned media from cells expressing type I mutant CALR exaggerate cytokine production from normal monocytes with or without treatment with a toll-like receptor agonist. These effects are not dependent on the novel C-terminus. These studies offer novel insights into the mechanism of JAK/STAT activation in patients with JAK2-V617F-negative essential thrombocytosis and primary myelofibrosis.

ADAR1 promotes malignant progenitor reprogramming in chronic myeloid leukemia.

The molecular etiology of human progenitor reprogramming into self-renewing leukemia stem cells (LSC) has remained elusive. Although DNA sequencing has uncovered spliceosome gene mutations that promote alternative splicing and portend leukemic transformation, isoform diversity also may be generated by RNA editing mediated by adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR) enzymes that regulate stem cell maintenance. In this study, whole-transcriptome sequencing of normal, chronic phase, and serially transplantable blast crisis chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) progenitors revealed increased IFN-γ pathway gene expression in concert with BCR-ABL amplification, enhanced expression of the IFN-responsive ADAR1 p150 isoform, and a propensity for increased adenosine-to-inosine RNA editing during CML progression. Lentiviral overexpression experiments demonstrate that ADAR1 p150 promotes expression of the myeloid transcription factor PU.1 and induces malignant reprogramming of myeloid progenitors. Moreover, enforced ADAR1 p150 expression was associated with production of a misspliced form of GSK3ß implicated in LSC self-renewal. Finally, functional serial transplantation and shRNA studies demonstrate that ADAR1 knockdown impaired in vivo self-renewal capacity of blast crisis CML progenitors. Together these data provide a compelling rationale for developing ADAR1-based LSC detection and eradication strategies.

[Pharmacovigilance update]. / Pharmacovigilance.

The main pharmacovigilance updates in 2015are reviewed. Sofosbuvir amiodarone interaction: risk of severe bradycardia. Dasabuvir clopidogrel interaction: increased dasabuvir concentrations and potential risk of QTprolongation. SGLT2 inhibitors: risks of diabetic acidocetosis and bone fracture. Dabigatran: therapeutic drug monitoring may improve benefit-risk ratio. Ibuprofen: at higher dosage, vascular risks are comparable to coxibs. Pregabaline, gabapentine: potential for abuse and addiction. Varenicline: potentiates alcohol's effects. Codeine: contra-indicated as cough medicine under the age of twelve. Valproate: strengthened warnings on the risks of valproate use in pregnancy. Dimethylfumarate: rare observations of progressive multifocal leucoencephalopathy. Ustekinumab: rare observations of erythrodermia.

FANCL ubiquitinates ß-catenin and enhances its nuclear function.

Bone marrow failure is a nearly universal complication of Fanconi anemia. The proteins encoded by FANC genes are involved in DNA damage responses through the formation of a multisubunit nuclear complex that facilitates the E3 ubiquitin ligase activity of FANCL. However, it is not known whether loss of E3 ubiquitin ligase activity accounts for the hematopoietic stem cell defects characteristic of Fanconi anemia. Here we provide evidence that FANCL increases the activity and expression of ß-catenin, a key pluripotency factor in hematopoietic stem cells. We show that FANCL ubiquitinates ß-catenin with atypical ubiquitin chain extension known to have nonproteolytic functions. Specifically, ß-catenin modified with lysine-11 ubiquitin chain extension efficiently activates a lymphocyte enhancer-binding factor-T cell factor reporter. We also show that FANCL-deficient cells display diminished capacity to activate ß-catenin leading to reduced transcription of Wnt-responsive targets c-Myc and Cyclin D1. Suppression of FANCL expression in normal human CD34(+) stem and progenitor cells results in fewer ß-catenin active cells and inhibits expansion of multilineage progenitors. Together, these results suggest that diminished Wnt/ß-catenin signaling may be an underlying molecular defect in FANCL-deficient hematopoietic stem cells leading to their accelerated loss.

Pharmacometrics to Evaluate Dosing of the Patient-Friendly Ivermectin CHILD-IVITAB in Children ≥ 15 kg and <15 kg.

The antiparasitic drug ivermectin is approved for persons > 15 kg in the US and EU. A pharmacometric (PMX) population model with clinical PK data was developed (i) to characterize the effect of the patient-friendly ivermectin formulation CHILD-IVITAB on the absorption process and (ii) to evaluate dosing for studies in children < 15 kg. Simulations were performed to identify dosing with CHILD-IVITAB associated with similar exposure coverage in children ≥ 15 kg and < 15 kg as observed in adults receiving the reference formulation STROMECTOL®. A total of 448 ivermectin concentrations were available from 16 healthy adults. The absorption rate constant was 2.41 h-1 (CV 19%) for CHILD-IVITAB vs. 1.56 h-1 (CV 43%) for STROMECTOL®. Simulations indicated that 250 µg/kg of CHILD-IVITAB is associated with exposure coverage in children < 15 kg consistent with that observed in children ≥ 15 kg and adults receiving 200 µg/kg of STROMECTOL®. Performed analysis confirmed that CHILD-IVITAB is associated with faster and more controlled absorption than STROMECTOL®. Simulations indicate that 250 µg/kg of CHILD-IVITAB achieves equivalent ivermectin exposure coverage in children < 15 kg as seen in children ≥ 15 kg and adults.

Novel Patient-Friendly Orodispersible Formulation of Ivermectin is Associated With Enhanced Palatability, Controlled Absorption, and Less Variability: High Potential for Pediatric Use.

Ivermectin has been used since the 1980s as an anthelmintic and antiectoparasite agent worldwide. Currently, the only available oral formulation is tablets designed for adult patients. A patient-friendly orodispersible tablet formulation designed for pediatric use (CHILD-IVITAB) has been developed and is entering early phase clinical trials. To inform the pediatric program of CHILD-IVITAB, 16 healthy adults were enrolled in a phase I, single-center, open-label, randomized, 2-period, crossover, single-dose trial which aimed to compare palatability, tolerability, and bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of CHILD-IVITAB and their variability against the marketed ivermectin tablets (STROMECTOL) at a single dose of 12 mg in a fasting state. Palatability with CHILD-IVITAB was considerably enhanced as compared to STROMECTOL. Both ivermectin formulations were well tolerated and safe. Relative bioavailability of CHILD-IVITAB compared to STROMECTOL was estimated as the ratios of geometric means for Cmax, AUC 0-∞, and AUC0-last, which were 1.52 [90% CI: 1.13-2.04], 1.27 [0.99-1.62], and 1.29 [1.00-1.66], respectively. Maximum drug concentrations occurred earlier with the CHILD-IVITAB formulation, with a median Tmax at 3.0 h [range 2.0-4.0 h] versus 4.0 h [range 2.0-5.0 h] with STROMECTOL (P = .004). With CHILD-IVITAB, variability in exposure was cut in half (coefficient of variation: 37% vs 70%) compared to STROMECTOL. Consistent with a more controlled absorption process, CHILD-IVITAB was associated with reduced variability in drug exposure as compared to STROMECTOL. Together with a favorable palatability and tolerability profile, these findings motivate for further clinical studies to evaluate benefits of such a patient-friendly ODT formulation in pediatric patients with a parasitic disease, including infants and young children <15 kg.

Use of GLP1 receptor agonists in early pregnancy and reproductive safety: a multicentre, observational, prospective cohort study based on the databases of six Teratology Information Services.

OBJECTIVES: Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RA) are indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and more recently for weight loss. The aim of this study was to assess the risks associated with GLP1-RA exposure during early pregnancy. DESIGN: This multicentre, observational prospective cohort study compared pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to GLP1-RA in early pregnancy either for diabetes or obesity treatment with those in two reference groups: (1) women with diabetes exposed to at least one non-GLP1-RA antidiabetic drug during the first trimester and (2) a reference group of overweight/obese women without diabetes, between 2009 and 2022. SETTING: Data were collected from the databases of six Teratology Information Services. PARTICIPANTS: This study included 168 pregnancies of women exposed to GLP1-RA during the first trimester, alongside a reference group of 156 pregnancies of women with diabetes and 163 pregnancies of overweight/obese women. RESULTS: Exposure to GLP1-RA in the first trimester was not associated with a risk of major birth defects when compared with diabetes (2.6% vs 2.3%; adjusted OR, 0.98 (95% CI, 0.16 to 5.82)) or to overweight/obese (2.6% vs 3.9%; adjusted OR 0.54 (0.11 to 2.75)). For the GLP1-RA group, cumulative incidence for live births, pregnancy losses and pregnancy terminations was 59%, 23% and 18%, respectively. In the diabetes reference group, corresponding estimates were 69%, 26% and 6%, while in the overweight/obese reference group, they were 63%, 29% and 8%, respectively. Cox proportional cause-specific hazard models indicated no increased risk of pregnancy losses in the GLP1-RA versus the diabetes and the overweight/obese reference groups, in both crude and adjusted analyses. CONCLUSIONS: This study offers reassurance in cases of inadvertent exposure to GLP1-RA during the first trimester of pregnancy. Due to the limited sample size, larger studies are required to validate these findings.

Oral decitabine-cedazuridine versus intravenous decitabine for myelodysplastic syndromes and chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (ASCERTAIN): a registrational, randomised, crossover, pharmacokinetics, phase 3 study.

BACKGROUND: The DNA methyltransferase inhibitors azacitidine and decitabine for individuals with myelodysplastic syndromes or chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia are available in parenteral form. Oral therapy with similar exposure for these diseases would offer potential treatment benefits. We aimed to compare the safety and pharmacokinetics of oral decitabine plus the cytidine deaminase inhibitor cedazuridine versus intravenous decitabine. METHODS: We did a registrational, multicentre, open-label, crossover, phase 3 trial of individuals with myelodysplastic syndromes or chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia and individuals with acute myeloid leukaemia, enrolled as separate cohorts; results for only participants with myelodysplastic syndromes or chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia are reported here. In 37 academic and community-based clinics in Canada and the USA, we enrolled individuals aged 18 years or older who were candidates to receive intravenous decitabine, with Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0 or 1 and a life expectancy of at least 3 months. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive 5 days of oral decitabine-cedazuridine (one tablet once daily containing 35 mg decitabine and 100 mg cedazuridine as a fixed-dose combination) or intravenous decitabine (20 mg/m2 per day by continuous 1-h intravenous infusion) in a 28-day treatment cycle, followed by 5 days of the other formulation in the next treatment cycle. Thereafter, all participants received oral decitabine-cedazuridine from the third cycle on until treatment discontinuation. The primary endpoint was total decitabine exposure over 5 days with oral decitabine-cedazuridine versus intravenous decitabine for cycles 1 and 2, measured as area under the curve in participants who received the full treatment dose in cycles 1 and 2 and had decitabine daily AUC0-24 for both oral decitabine-cedazuridine and intravenous decitabine (ie, paired cycles). On completion of the study, all patients were rolled over to a maintenance study. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03306264. FINDINGS: Between Feb 8, 2018, and June 7, 2021, 173 individuals were screened, 138 (80%) participants were randomly assigned to a treatment sequence, and 133 (96%) participants (87 [65%] men and 46 [35%] women; 121 [91%] White, four [3%] Black or African-American, three [2%] Asian, and five [4%] not reported) received treatment. Median follow-up was 966 days (IQR 917-1050). Primary endpoint of total exposure of oral decitabine-cedazuridine versus intravenous decitabine was 98·93% (90% CI 92·66-105·60), indicating equivalent pharmacokinetic exposure on the basis of area under the curve. The safety profiles of oral decitabine-cedazuridine and intravenous decitabine were similar. The most frequent adverse events of grade 3 or worse were thrombocytopenia (81 [61%] of 133 participants), neutropenia (76 [57%] participants), and anaemia (67 [50%] participants). The incidence of serious adverse events in cycles 1-2 was 31% (40 of 130 participants) with oral decitabine-cedazuridine and 18% (24 of 132 participants) with intravenous decitabine. There were five treatment-related deaths; two deemed related to oral therapy (sepsis and pneumonia) and three to intravenous treatment (septic shock [n=2] and pneumonia [n=1]). INTERPRETATION: Oral decitabine-cedazuridine was pharmacologically and pharmacodynamically equivalent to intravenous decitabine. The results support use of oral decitabine-cedazuridine as a safe and effective alternative to intravenous decitabine for treatment of individuals with myelodysplastic syndromes or chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia. FUNDING: Astex Pharmaceuticals.