Telomerase inhibitor for use in treating a myelodysplastic syndrome

Abstract

This disclosure provides methods of treating a myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) in a subject who has not previously been treated with an agent selected from a hypomethylating agent (HMA) and lenalidomide, or both. The method includes administering to the subject an effective amount of a telomerase inhibitor, such as, for example, imetelstat or imetelstat sodium. In some cases, the subject being treated is classified as IPSS low or intermediate-1 risk MDS and / or has relapsed / refractory MDS to erythropoiesis stimulating agent (ESA).