Improving quality of life for cancer patients is a predominant goaland that’s exactly what’s happening for people with a type of blood cancer known as myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) with the help of a drug called Reblozyl (generic name luspatercept).
The drug helps treat anemia, or a lack of healthy red blood cells, which is a common complication for MDS patients. It leaves many people needing blood transfusions, which means more trips to the doctor and side effects from the procedure.
Read MoreImproving Quality of Life
Reblozyl is a biotherapy, a medication that helps increase the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow.It reduces how often a patient needs to visit their doctor for treatment because it is given less frequently than the former standard. The injection is only given once every three weeks, whereas ESAs are given weekly.
Overall, Reblozyl “delivers a higher hemoglobin level, less of this anemia, less transfusion needs for the patient, which we believe ultimately translates into a better quality of life for the patients,” Berkowitz said.
Addressing how cancer is known to be a “devastating” diagnosis for patients and their families, which affects their overall selves, sense of mortality, and relationships, Berkowitz added, “I feel that we are in the midst of just an incredible revolution in cancer care.”
“We see disease after disease great science being delivered globally is generating new opportunities for the treatment of patients, which brings more hope, better outcomes, and hopefully a much brighter future for everyone the patients, their families, and their caregivers.”
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