King's College Hospital has recruited the first patient anywhere in the world for a clinical trial studying a rare blood cancer condition called myelodysplastic syndromes, or MDS.
The phase 3 trial will compare erlitercept with the standard treatment, erythropoietin, for adults with lower-risk MDS and anaemia. The study aims to recruit 300 people, who can choose to stay involved for up to five years.
MDS mainly affects older adults and can raise the risk of leukaemia. Anaemia can also make everyday life harder by causing tiredness and affecting quality of life.
The trial does not promise a result yet. It does give patients and researchers a carefully organised way to learn whether a new option can improve care.
