In the U.S., as many as 170,000 people are living with a group of bone marrow disorders called myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), in which the body does not produce enough healthy blood cells.
Low blood cell counts in people with MDS are responsible for common symptoms of the disease, including anemia and infections. People with MDS-related anemia often require regular blood transfusions to increase the number of healthy red blood cells in circulation.
Dr. Caroline Behler is an oncologist at the Pacific Hematology Oncology Associates and the California Pacific Medical Center with a clinical focus on malignant hematology and expertise in benign hematology and a wide range of solid tumors. Dr. Behler, who enjoys teaching and mentoring, recently became the Program Director for the Center’s new Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program. Previously, Dr. Behler served as faculty at the UCSF Hematology and BMT clinic as well as the Chief of Malignant Hematology at the San Francisco V.A. Medical Center.
- Tracey Iraca joined the MDS Foundation in 2004 as a part-time Patient Coordinator, assisting with patient education programs. Now, as executive director, Tracey oversees all daily business activities, including finances, staffing and staff projects. She works with the MDSF Board of Directors on strategic planning for meeting the ongoing needs of MDS patients and healthcare professionals. Tracey manages the corporate grants program and is responsible for all corporate relations and business development. She serves as liaison to the Foundation’s International Nurse Leadership Board, International Working Group for Prognosis in MDS (IWG-PM) and MDS/MPN International Working Group (MDS/MPN IWG).
Reblozyl® (luspatercept-aamt), is the first and only erythroid maturation agent (EMA), for the treatment of anemia failing an erythropoiesis stimulating agent and requiring 2 or more red blood cell (RBC) units over 8 weeks in adult patients with very low- to intermediate-risk myelodysplastic syndromes with ring sideroblasts (MDS-RS) or with myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasm with ring sideroblasts and thrombocytosis (MDS/MPN-RS-T). Reblozyl (luspatercept-aamt), is an injection, for subcutaneous use. The recommended starting dose is 1 mg/kg once every 3 weeks by subcutaneous injection for patients with anemia of MDS-RS or MDS/MPN-RS-T.
REBLOZYL is not indicated for use as a substitute for RBC transfusions in patients who require immediate correction of anemia.
For more information about Reblozyl, please see Important Safety Information below and visit reblozyl.com
