
Panelists discuss how to choose between first-line (1L) luspatercept vs erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) therapy for SF3B1-negative patients with lower-risk MDS (LR-MDS) with erythropoietin (EPO) levels under 200 mU/mL. Team Whataburger argues that luspatercept’s superior response rates (60% vs 40%) and survival benefits make it the clear frontline choice, while Team In-and-Out counters that ESA remains viable for minimally transfusion-dependent patients due to cost considerations and potential for sequential therapy approaches.















