Head-to-head comparison of 5-azacitidine versus decitabine for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome

초록

In a cohort of patients in lower risk with significant cytopenia and higher risk myelodysplastic syndrome, 5-azacitidine (AZA) and decitabine (DAC) showed comparable efficacy in terms of overall response rate, overall survival and risk of transformation to acute myeloid leukemia. However, patients receiving DAC experienced more frequent grade 3 & 4 neutropenia and fever episodes than patient receiving AZA. When both AZA and DAC are available, safety profiles as well as treatment efficacy need to be considered.