Transfusion Confusion: Navigating Lower-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes Management and the Role of Oncology Pharmacists

This activity was originally presented at the 2026 HOPA Annual Conference in New Orleans, LA.

Lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (LR-MDS) present a significant clinical burden characterized by chronic anemia, transfusion dependence, and negative impact on patient quality of life. While erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) are established as the foundation of frontline therapy, many patients experience primary nonresponse or eventually lose response, which requires more individualized treatment options. This program will equip oncology pharmacists with the latest clinical evidence and guideline updates to navigate the evolving LR-MDS landscape, specifically focusing on the integration of newer agents into treatment plans. Participants will explore the clinical implications of emerging therapies, the role of genomic markers, and the impact of serum erythropoietin levels on evidence-based treatment selection. To support successful clinical use, expert faculty will specifically address the complexities of navigating these new therapies, including the management of unique adverse effect profiles and responsive dosing protocols. Beyond therapeutic selection, the session will emphasize the pharmacist's critical role in operationalizing care by addressing challenges in dose escalation, managing hematologic toxicities, and mitigating fragmented health record documentation. Through interactive case reviews, attendees will be able to experience plausible clinical scenarios, including frontline decision-making and post-ESA therapy transitions, ensuring optimal, responsive dosing and improved patient outcomes.

Target audience: Oncology pharmacists

Type of activity: Application

Release date: April 15, 2026

Expiration date: April 15, 2027

Learner level: Advanced

Time to complete activity: 1.0 hour

Fee: Free

Educational Objectives

At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:

• Examine clinical trial data for new and emerging therapies in lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (LR-MDS) to guide patient-specific treatment recommendations
• Apply genomic testing results, guideline recommendations, and patient-specific factors to support individualized, evidence-based treatment selection for patients with LR-MDS
• Optimize dosing, response assessment, and adverse effect management for patients receiving newer therapies for LR-MDS, using electronic medical records, transfusion, and lab data

Accreditation

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity is approved for 1.0 contact hour (0.10 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-26-065-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through April 15, 2027.

Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit

To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, view the activity in its entirety, complete the posttest, and complete the online activity evaluation. After successful completion of the online activity evaluation, you can submit your credit to CPE Monitor. You may view your credit within 48 hours at www.mycpemonitor.net. All participants must request credit before the activity expiration date. CE credit will not be issued after this date.

Faculty

Anthony J. Perissinotti, PharmD, BCOP, has the following relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose:

Consultant: Abbvie, Servier, Syndax, Amgen

Sangeetha Venugopal, MD, MS, has the following relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose:

Grant/Research Support: Oryzon Pharmaceuticals

The following contributors have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose:

Amy L. Morris, PharmD, BCOP

Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff—Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Rose Buszka, PharmD, BCPS, CHCP; Daphne Davis, PharmD, BCOP; Kylie Ferrentino; Susan Pordon; Brianna Winters; and Chloe Taccetta.

Any relevant financial relationships listed for these individuals have been mitigated.

At least one anonymous peer reviewer was used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewer has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

Educational Disclaimer

Continuing professional education activities are offered solely for educational purposes and do not constitute any form of professional advice or referral. Discussions concerning drugs, dosages, and procedures may reflect the clinical experience of the author(s) or be derived from the professional literature or other sources and may suggest uses that are investigational in nature and not approved by the labeling or indications. Participants are encouraged to refer to primary references or full prescribing information resources.

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