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Adjuvant chemotherapy does not increase risk of acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome: Findings reported at Breast Cancer Symposium 2012

Dr. Neelima Denduluri, Virginia Cancer Specialists and The US Oncology Network,
present innovative study at Breast Cancer Symposium 2012

The Woodlands, Texas (September 14, 2012) — Neelima Denduluri, M.D., medical oncologist and hematologist with Virginia Cancer Specialists and The US Oncology Network, presented compelling study results today in an oral presentation during Breast Cancer Symposium 2012 in San Francisco. The innovative study titled, “Risk of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) after adjuvant chemotherapy (CT) for early breast cancer (BC) in the community setting,” shows that adjuvant chemotherapy did not increase a patient’s risk of AML/MDS compared with those who did not receive chemotherapy.

“These are exciting results,” said Dr. Denduluri. “This study can reassure patients who receive adjuvant chemotherapy to battle their cancer that their risk of a secondary acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome is very low within the first three years. With the recent news that Robin Roberts with Good Morning America developed MDS after beating breast cancer, many of my patients were concerned about the risk.”

More than 20,000 patients were included in the retrospective study. Investigators utilized the iKnowMed electronic health record system, supported by The US Oncology Network and McKesson Specialty Health, to study patients diagnosed with stage I-III breast cancer from 2007-2010. Findings confirmed low risk for secondary leukemias, but increased age and Anthracycline-containing chemotherapy were associated with higher rates.

“These study results are reassuring,” said Debra Patt, M.D., medical oncologist and hematologist with Texas Oncology, affiliated physician with The US Oncology Network, and co-author of the study. “Knowing your risk is important. Now we know that patients can receive appropriate therapy without increased risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome in the first three years. This knowledge gives us a better understanding of risk as we discuss treatment options with our patients.”

Along with Drs. Denduluri and Patt, several other researchers affiliated with The US Oncology Network participated in the study including: Janet L. Espirito, Pharm.D., Brian Turnwald, Yunfei Wang, Ph.D., Lina Asmar, Ph.D., J. Russell Hoverman, M.D., Marcus A. Neubauer, M.D., Linda D. Bosserman, M.D., Leslie T. Busby, M.D., Barry Don Brooks, M.D., Thomas H. Cartwright, M.D., Mark A. Sitarik, M.D., Ian D. Schnadig, M.D., William E. Winter, M.D., Jody S. Garey, Pharm.D., Kimberly A. Bergstrom, Pharm.D., Roy A. Beveridge, M.D.

About The US Oncology Network
The US Oncology Network is one of the nation’s largest networks of community-based oncology physicians dedicated to advancing cancer care in America. Like-minded physicians are united through The Network around a common vision of expanding patient access to high-quality, integrated cancer care in communities throughout the nation. Leveraging healthcare information technology, shared best practices, refined evidence-based medicine guidelines, and quality measurements, physicians affiliated with The US Oncology Network are committed to advancing the quality, safety, and science of cancer care to improve patient outcomes. The US Oncology Network is supported by McKesson Specialty Health, a division of McKesson Corporation focused on empowering a vibrant and sustainable community patient care delivery system to advance the science, technology and quality of care. For more information, visit www.usoncology.com.

Media Contact:
Claire Crye
(281) 863-6783
Claire.Crye@mckesson.com

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Tag: The US Oncology Network, Texas Oncology, Virginia Cancer Specialists, Breast Cancer Symposium 2012, McKesson Specialty Health, McKesson Corporation