Purpose

Defects in the apoptotic process can lead to the onset of cancer by allowing cells to grow unchecked when an oncogeneic signal is present. Obatoclax is designed to restore apoptosis through inhibition of the Bcl-2 family of proteins, thereby reinstating the natural process of cell death that is often inhibited in cancer cells. This is a multi-center, open-label, Phase II study of obatoclax administered in 2-week cycles to patients with previously-untreated Myelodysplastic Syndromes with anemia and/or thrombocytopenia. Treatment may be administered on an outpatient basis. No investigational or commercial agents or therapies other than those described herein may be administered with the intent to treat the patient's malignancy. Supportive care measures including those directed at controlling symptoms resulting from Myelodysplastic Syndromes are allowed