Longer-term benefit of luspatercept in transfusion-dependent lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes with ring sideroblasts

Luspatercept is an approved therapy for selected patients with lower risk myelodysplasia requiring transfusion despite erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, based on the early results of a randomized trial against placebo. Zeidan and colleagues report that after a median of 26 months follow-up, 27% of patients commencing luspatercept were continuing therapy. Their updated analyses confirm that a significant minority (45%) of eligible patients can achieve transfusion independence, with a median durability of 30 weeks. These longer follow-up data better quantify the incremental benefit of luspatercept over placebo.