Results of Ontada study to be presented at ASH signals a need to revisit anemia strategies in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome

Ontada^®, a McKesson business dedicated to real-world oncology data and insights, will present findings from a retrospective cohort study at the 67th American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and Exposition. The study, titled “Maintaining Higher Hemoglobin Levels is Associated with Improved Overall Survival in Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS): A Real-world Retrospective Analysis of Electronic Health Records from a US Community Setting over the Past 20 Years,” provides evidence on the relationship between longitudinal maintained hemoglobin (Hgb) levels and survival outcomes in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).

Drawing on structured electronic health record (EHR) data in a U.S. community setting spanning two decades, this analysis offers a comprehensive evaluation of anemia management in MDS.

Key Data Findings

• Higher Hgb Levels Improve Survival: Patients maintaining Hgb >10 g/dL had a median overall survival (OS) of 54.1 months, compared to 25.2 months for Hgb 8–10 g/dL and 12.7 months for Hgb <8 g/dL.
• Consistent Benefit Across Risk Groups: Improved survival with higher Hgb persisted across all IPSS-R risk categories, including high/very high-risk patients.
• Survival Advantage Independent of Iron Overload: Stratification by serum ferritin showed that inferior OS in moderate/severe anemia was not explained by iron overload.
• Long-Term Impact: At 72 months, survival rates were 38.2% for Hgb >10, versus 16.3% (Hgb 8–10) and 5.9% (Hgb <8).

“This exploratory analysis at least raises a question regarding transfusion guidelines and clinical practice which tolerate moderate to severe anemia in MDS," said Ira Zackon, MD, senior medical director, Ontada. "This needs further depth of research and validation, but suggests that with available anemia directed therapies, including transfusion, maintaining hemoglobin levels above 10 g/dl may be a relevant target to improve survival, independent of MDS disease risk or iron status.”

Study Methodology

This retrospective cohort study analyzed 6,533 adults with MDS and moderate to severe anemia (Hgb <10 g/dL) at baseline, using EHR data from 2005–2025. Patients were stratified into three groups based on median maintained Hgb levels post-initiation of anemia-directed therapy: <8, 8–10, and >10 g/dL. Overall survival was assessed using Kaplan-Meier methods, with sensitivity analyses by IPSS-R risk and serum ferritin levels.

Other Research at ASH 2025

Ontada is highlighting its research capabilities at ASH with nine accepted abstracts on topics such as real-world uptake and patient characteristics of bispecific antibodies in relapsed / refractory multiple myeloma, and real-world analysis of treatment patterns and outcomes in older patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

"Ontada is committed to transforming cancer care through real-world evidence," said Christine Davis, president, Ontada. "Our participation at ASH highlights the impact of our research as we collaborate with the hematology community to generate insights that inform clinical practice and improve patient care.”

Find a comprehensive list of Ontada abstracts and presentations on Ontada’s ASH 2025 site. Visit the Ontada booth (#106) at the Orange County Convention Center from December 6-8 to explore data presented at ASH.

Ontada is part of McKesson’s suite of Oncology & Multispecialty solutions, focused on accelerating insights, expanding access and improving patient outcomes. At ASH, McKesson-supported businesses, including Ontada and Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI), will present more than 100 abstracts. McKesson will also take part in a 10-minute fireside chat, “Bringing Hope Home,” hosted by STAT on December 5, between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. ET to discuss overcoming disparities and building a future where every patient can access the best possible cancer care no matter where they live. Jason Hammonds, president, Oncology & Multispecialty, and Dr. Nathan Shumway, medical oncologist and hematologist at Texas Oncology, will participate in this live event with STAT moderator Damien Garde. Find more information and register here.

About Ontada

Ontada is an oncology technology and insights business dedicated to transforming the fight against cancer. Part of McKesson Corporation, Ontada was founded on the core belief that precise insights — delivered exactly at the point of need — can save more patients’ lives. We connect the full patient journey by combining technologies used by The US Oncology Network and other community oncology providers with real-world data and research relied on by all top 15 global life sciences companies. Our work helps accelerate innovation and powers the future of cancer care. For more information, visit ontada.com.

About McKesson Oncology & Multispecialty

Our Oncology & Multispecialty segment delivers a portfolio of integrated solutions that support patient care by accelerating drug development, expanding access to high-quality care close to home and ensuring life-saving therapies reach the patients who need them most. We provide practice management, technology solutions, specialty drug distribution, clinical trial and group purchasing services, along with pharmacy solutions for community-based oncology practices and multispecialty providers in retina and ophthalmology. We partner behind the scenes with healthcare providers in local communities, supporting their operations so that they can stay focused on who matters most – patients.

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