Guadecitabine improved relapse-free survival in high-risk acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome patients after transplant: phase II results from a single center

This phase II, single-center clinical trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of guadecitabine, with or without donor lymphocyte infusion, following allogeneic stem cell transplantation in adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). The study had three treatment cohorts based on post-transplant disease status. Cohort 1 included patients with hematologic relapse after transplant (N=13). Cohort 2 consisted of patients with minimal residual disease (MRD) detected after transplant (N=18). Cohort 3 compromised patients in remission without MRD within 100 days after transplant (N=24). The primary objectives were achievement of morphological complete remission in cohort 1 and MRD eradication in cohort 2 within six cycles of guadecitabine. Cohort 3 patients received 12 cycles to improve relapse-free survival (RFS). In cohort 1, 21.4% of patients achieved morphological complete remission. In cohort 2, 47.1% achieved MRD eradication. Those who cleared MRD had a 2-year RFS of 62.5%. Cohort 3 patients had a 2-year RFS rate of 62.5% with a median follow-up of 48 months. No unexpected adverse events occurred and no graft failures were observed. Guadecitabine demonstrated efficacy and a favorable safety profile across all cohorts, supporting the investigations of hypomethylating agents.