In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with David Sallman, MD and Karley Trautman, DNP, ANP-BC, AGACNP-BC, to discuss best practices in the management of anemia in low-risk MDS patients.
Anemia presents a significant challenge in the management of patients with low-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Given the considerable potential for symptom burden associated with anemia in patients with MDS, health care professionals must prioritize enhancing quality of life when evaluating treatment options. In this episode, CANCER BUZZ speaks with David Sallman, MD, associate member in the Department of Malignant Hematology at Moffitt Cancer Center, and Karley Trautman, DNP, ANP-BC, AGACNP-BC, senior instructor of Medical Oncology at Highlands Ranch Cancer Center, to discuss best practices in the management of anemia in low-risk MDS patients.
Denver, CO
Senior Instructor, Medical Oncology
“The goal is still personalizing [treatment] for the patient. So say a patient feel[s] better when their hemoglobin is greater than 10 grams per deciliter, as an example. So you titrate or transition therapies until you achieve that…in order to make the patient’s experience better.”—David Sallman, MD
“Two people that have the same hemoglobin level can have completely different symptoms. So it’s really important that we don’t just focus on the numbers, but we focus on how the patient is feeling and how they’re functioning…so that if they’re doing well, even at a lower number than something we might typically treat, we don’t let that number drive how often we feel like they need to be seen, but we take it into account—[treating] the whole person.”—Karley Trautman, DNP, ANP-BC, AGACNP-BC
David Sallman, MD
Associate Member, Department of Malignant Hematology
Moffitt Cancer Center
Tampa, FL
This episode was developed in connection with the ACCC education initiative Anemia Mitigation & Optimal Care for MDS Patients and is supported by Bristol Myers Squibb.
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The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s)/faculty member(s) and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer(s) or the Association of Cancer Care Centers.
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At the 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting, the Louisiana Oncology Society received the ASCO Jeffrey C Ward Affiliate Advocacy Award for advancing critical advocacy priorities that have translated into meaningful legislative victories. The Iowa Oncology Society and Washington State Medical Oncology Society were also recognized for their advocacy efforts in 2025 at the meeting, receiving second place awards.
