Imetelstat: a new addition to the therapeutic landscape of lower-risk MDS

Anemia is the most prevalent cytopenia in lower-risk myelodysplastic neoplasms (LR-MDS). There is a paucity of drugs for red blood cell transfusion dependence (RBC-TD), and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) are the mainstay of therapy in many centers. Imetelstat, an oligonucleotide telomerase inhibitor, was recently approved for adults with RBC-TD LR-MDS who are ineligible for or failed prior ESA therapy. Although not yet approved worldwide, here we spotlight the current data for imetelstat and where it may fit in the therapeutic landscape of LR-MDS.