Myelodysplastic Syndrome

What is myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)?

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a pre-cancerous blood condition that impacts the ability of the body to make healthy blood cells. Classified as a type of pre-cancer, MDS occurs when the cells in bone marrow that are responsible for making new blood cells begin producing cells that don’t mature properly, or which die soon after being created.

MDS is considered a pre-cancer because of the risk of developing leukemia. According to the American Cancer Society, about one-third of patients with MDS develop acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which is a cancer of bone marrow cells.

There are several different subtypes of myelodysplastic syndrome, depending on which types of blood cells are affected. These include:

• Myelodysplastic syndromes with ring sideroblasts: in which one or more types of blood cells are impacted, with red blood cells accumulating excess iron into characteristic rings

• Myelodysplastic syndromes with single-lineage dysplasia, in which one type of blood cell count is low and doesn’t develop properly

• Myelodysplastic syndromes with multilineage dysplasia: in which 2-3 blood cell types produced are abnormal

• Myelodysplastic syndromes with isolated del(5q) chromosome abnormality: in which those diagnosed have a low red blood cell count and a unique genetic mutation

• Myelodysplastic syndromes with excess blasts: in which platelets, white blood cells and red blood cells can be impacted, with undeveloped blood cells called “blasts” accumulating in the marrow and blood

What are the symptoms of MDS?

The symptoms of myelodysplastic syndrome can be different for every patient, and vary based on how advanced the condition is. Common symptoms can include:

• Anemia, which is a low red blood cell count

• Thrombocytopenia, which is a low platelet count

• Leukopenia, which is a low white blood cell count

• Unexplained fatigue

• Infections, due to a reduced number of healthy white blood cells

• Difficulty getting bleeding to stop due to low platelets

• Shortness of breath

• Bruising easily

• Petechiae, which are small, reddish brown spots caused by bleeding under the skin

How is MDS diagnosed?

The diagnosis of MDS requires there to be low numbers of blood cells in addition to changes in the bone marrow.

If myelodysplastic syndrome is suspected, your blood will be drawn and tested with what’s called a Complete Blood Count, in which the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and the amount of hemoglobin in the blood are measured.

Bone marrow biopsy, in which physicians take a sample of bone, bone marrow and blood by inserting a needle into a bone. These samples are then examined and tested to establish a diagnosis.

Call 949-722-6237 to schedule an appointment or request a second opinion consultation with our specialists.

What are treatment options for MDS?

Treatment options for myelodysplastic syndrome are centered around helping patients deal with the symptoms of the disease. The only curative treatment is allogeneic bone marrow transplant. Treatment may include:

• Transfusion therapy, in which patients are given a transfusion of healthy blood to help boost the patient’s blood cell counts.

• Iron chelation therapy, to help remove excess iron in the blood

• Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) which can boost the red blood cells created by the body and fight the impact of anemia

• Antibiotics, to help fight infection

• Drug therapies that target rapidly-dividing cells or suppress the immune response

• Chemotherapy

• Allogeneic stem cell transplant

Supportive care resources for MDS and Survivorship support

At Hoag Family Cancer Institute, we’re committed to offering the best support services, resources and educational information to our patients and their families at every stage of their cancer journey. Hoag’s Integrated Cancer Support Services are open to everyone regardless of their prognosis, cancer stage or phase of recovery.

Resources include:

• Classes & Workshops

• Counseling Services

• Brighter Image Program

• Support Groups

• Hoag Rehabilitation Services

• Spiritual Care Services

• Oncology Massage

• Oncology Nutrition

• Financial Navigators for cancer-related care

Find more information about Integrated Cancer Support Services at Hoag at this link.

Are there any clinical trials for MDS?

Yes, Hoag is committed to leading the way in state-of-the-art technologies and advanced treatment options. Part of this commitment includes clinical research with the goal of helping patients live longer, healthier lives. Through carefully-planned clinical trials, researchers evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases or conditions. Treatments studied in clinical trials might be new drugs or new combinations of drugs, new surgical procedures or devices, or new ways to use existing treatments. View clinical trials for myelodysplastic syndrome here.

At Hoag, our clinical research team is committed to excellence in research and protecting the interests and well-being of patients. Contact us at (949) 536-7332 to see if joining a clinical trial for myelodysplastic syndrome is right for you.