Vidaza^®

Vidaza^® is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). It is also being studied as a treatment for certain types of bone marrow cancer and other blood cell disorders.

Myelodysplastic syndromes, as well as certain types of bone cancer and other blood disorders, are similar conditions that occur when the bone marrow is unable to produce enough healthy blood cells.

Vidaza^® is a form of cancer immunotherapy, which can help the bone marrow produce more healthy red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Vidaza^® may also help impede the growth and reproductive abilities of cancerous cells in the bone marrow.

Vidaza^® is delivered either through an intravenous (IV) infusion or as subcutaneous injection (shot).

Vidaza^® is usually given in a treatment cycle. Typically, the cycle is a 28-day period, in which treatment is given daily for 7 days, followed by 21 days without treatment. Individual treatment cycles can vary based on blood counts and other factors that may increase the cycle time.

If you or a loved one is seeking treatment for MDS or bone marrow cancer, Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) provides a range of integrative treatment options to fight cancer on all fronts. Working together with you, we can help you decide if Vidaza^® is appropriate for your overall treatment plan.

Chat now with an Oncology Information Specialist to learn more about our unique approach to cancer treatment.

Because medications will affect each patient differently, the side effects of Vidaza^® that you or a loved one may experience during treatment will vary. Below are some of the common side effects of Vidaza^® people have experienced.

• Bruising or bleeding
• Flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills and body aches
• Shortness or difficult breathing
• Seizure
• Severe ongoing nausea
• Joint pain
• Rapid weight gain
• Headaches

In addition to these potential side effects of Vidaza^®, because other medications may affect Vidaza^®, it is important that you inform your doctor about all other prescriptions and over-the-counter medications or supplements you may be taking.

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), we understand that cancer and the side effects of cancer treatment affect everyone differently. That is why we work with you to create an individualized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and wishes. If you would like to learn more about our individualized approach to cancer treatment, please click to chat with an Oncology Information Specialist.

Vidaza^® is currently being tested in the treatment of certain types of bone marrow cancer. Because bone marrow cancer affects the production of blood cells in the immune system, Vidaza^® can work to enhance immune system response by both increasing production of healthy cells, as well as working to kill cancerous cells.

Myelodysplastic syndromes

Vidaza^® is also FDA approved for treatment of all five subtypes of MDS (myelodysplastic syndromes). Although not classically considered a type of cancer, MDS comprises a group of diseases that affect the bone marrow and blood. The five subtypes of MDS are:

• Refractory anemia
• Refractory anemia with ring sideroblasts
• Refractory anemia with excess blasts
• Refractory anemia with excess blasts in transformation
• Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia