Refractory Myelodysplastic Syndrome/Acute Myeloid Leukemia

This phase I trial tests the safety, side effects, and best dose of SM08502 (cirtuvivint) alone and in combination with ASTX727 in treating patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Cirtuvivint may stop the growth of cancer cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. ASTX727 is a combination of two drugs, decitabine and cedazuridine. Decitabine is in a class of medications called hypomethylation agents. It works by helping the bone marrow produce normal blood cells and by killing abnormal cells in the bone marrow. Cedazuridine is in a class of medications called cytidine deaminase inhibitors. It prevents the breakdown of decitabine, making it more available in the body so that decitabine will have a greater effect. Giving cirtuvivint alone or in combination with ASTX727 may be safe, tolerable, and/or effective in treating patients with AML and MDS.