Specialists are now saying the drug looks like the first effective treatment for people with the cancer.
The study was sponsored by Celgene Corporation, which makes Revlimid; an experimental drug similar to Thalidomide, a drug notorious for the birth defects it caused years ago, but that is now proving effectice in treating another form of blood cancer, multiple myeloma.
During the study, doctors tested Revlimid on 115 people with MDS who have the most common chromosome abnormality that causes the disease. After about six months, 66% no longer needed transfusions. One year later, three-fourths of the patients still didn't need tranfusions.
The biggest surprise to doctors came when they discovered that the signs of the gene mutation, which sparks the disease, diminished in 81 patients and completely vanished in 51.
Dr. Jasmine Zain, of New York's City of Hope Cancer Center counteracted stating the results called for more testing.
"Nowhere do you see 60 to 70 percent responses," she said.
About one-third of people on the drug had temporary drops in other blood cells and clotting components, fixed by briefly interrupting treatment or lowering the dose.
MDS refers to a group of disorders caused when bone marrow does not make enough healthy, mature blood cells. Patients generally suffer anemia and fatigue, requiring blood transfusions about every eight weeks in order to stay alive.
About 15,000-20,000 new cases are reported each year in the U.S. It is estimated some 50,000 Americans currently suffer from the disease.
