Future Directions and the Impact of Oral Hypomethylating Agents in Myeloid Malignancies

In this concluding segment, the panel reflects on the evolving landscape of treatment for myeloid malignancies, including high-risk MDS and CML, with a focus on oral HMAs. Dr. Fazal emphasizes the importance of clinical trial participation, noting that although some combination therapies may not show overall superiority, subsets of patients demonstrate meaningful benefit, highlighting the need for ongoing research and novel therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Shastri discusses the longstanding role of HMAs as FDA-approved treatments for high-risk MDS, underscoring the familiarity among clinicians in managing side effects and dosing adjustments. With the availability of oral formulations, the potential for combination therapies is expanding, providing greater flexibility for clinical trial design and enabling patients to maintain more independence and quality of life during treatment.

NP Granato highlights the patient-centered benefits of oral therapy, including enhanced autonomy, convenience, and the ability to receive effective treatment within the community setting, closer to home and support networks.

Dr. Boccia predicts a broader shift toward oral therapies for myeloid malignancies, akin to trends seen in lymphoid malignancies, as regulatory approvals and reimbursement frameworks evolve.

Overall, this segment emphasizes the transformative potential of oral HMAs in improving patient experience, facilitating innovative clinical trials, and shaping the future standard of care for high-risk MDS and related myeloid malignancies. The discussion concludes with a recognition of the potential these therapies offer in combining efficacy with enhanced patient-centered care.