Myeloablative versus Reduced-Intensity Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Myelodysplastic Syndromes: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

In a systematic review and meta-analysis, we compared allogeneic transplant outcomes after myeloablative conditioning (MAC) versus reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes. Only 2 published randomized clinical trials were found, with a pooled sample size of 183 (RIC, 92; MAC, 91). Both studies suggested an overall survival advantage after RIC, with a pooled hazard ratio (HR) of .67 (95% confidence interval [CI], .41 to 1.09) for RIC versus MAC. Relapse results were also concordant, with a pooled HR of 1.55 (95% CI, .74 to 3.25) for RIC versus MAC. Neither result was statistically significant. Comparisons for other outcomes were unremarkable. In conclusion, the evidence for the optimal conditioning intensity in myelodysplastic syndromes is weak. Post-transplant maintenance strategies and incorporation of genomic information into decision-making may improve post-transplant outcomes.