Inhibitors of signaling in myelodysplastic syndrome

Treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) has been hampered by the lack of understanding of the molecular and biological abnormalities associated with this disease. Biological abnormalities may lead to typical phenotypic changes in more differentiated cells. Recent developments in the natural history and underlying molecular mechanisms of MDS and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have identified new molecular therapeutic targets. Several new classes of drugs have shown promise in early clinical trials and may alter the standard of care of these patients. Among these new drugs are farnesyltransferase inhibitors, receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors, protein kinase C inhibitors, and VEGF inhibitors. These agents have been tested in patients with solid tumors and hematological malignancies such as AML and MDS. Most of the studies in MDS are in early stages of development, where doses are being determined based on the experience in refractory or relapsed AML or solid tumors. Future therapies in MDS will attempt to resolve cytopenias, eliminate malignant clones and allow differentiation by attacking specific mechanisms of the disease.