Myelodysplastic Syndromes
April 19, 2024
This page was reviewed under our medical and editorial policy by Guido Marcucci, M.D., Chair, Department of Hematologic Malignancies Translational Science, City of Hope Duarte
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are rare types of cancer that affect bone marrow and blood cells. About 10,000 patients a year are diagnosed with MDS, but due to its rarity, the exact numbers are unknown.
In patients with MDS, blood-forming cells in the bone marrow change, potentially crowding out healthy blood cells, particularly red blood cells. About 30% of MDS patients may eventually develop acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
Not all patients with MDS will develop symptoms, and it may be picked up on a routine blood test. When symptoms do appear, they’re often related to anemia. Symptoms may include fatigue, dizziness, pale skin, shortness of breath and more.
The care team will perform a series of tests during the MDS diagnosis process. These may include bone marrow and blood tests, a biopsy, a physical exam and more. During the diagnosis process, the care team may assign a risk score to the patient’s condition rather than a stage.
The care team will develop a myelodysplastic syndromes treatment plan based on factors including the MDS subtype and the patient’s age, health and personal preferences. Treatment options may include drug therapy, chemotherapy, supportive care and more.
American Cancer Society (2018, January 22). Key Statistics for Myelodysplastic Syndromes.
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/myelodysplastic-syndrome/about/key-statistics.htmlMyelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation, Inc. (2024). What Is MDS?
https://www.mds-foundation.org/what-is-mds/American Cancer Society (2018, January 22). What Are Myelodysplastic Syndromes?
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/myelodysplastic-syndrome/about/what-is-mds.htmlNational Library of Medicine (2022, July 18). Myelodysplastic Syndrome.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534126/Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (2024). Myelodysplastic Syndromes.
https://www.lls.org/myelodysplastic-syndromes/myelodysplastic-syndromesNational Health Services, UK (2024, March 11). Myelodysplastic Syndrome (Myelodysplasia).
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/myelodysplasia/
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City of Hope has been named a best hospital for cancer by U.S. News & World Report for over a decade. As a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, our doctors also help develop and improve evidence-based leukemia treatment guidelines for patients throughout the country.
Program Highlights:
- A multidisciplinary team of specialists – including hematologists, medical and radiation oncologists, scientists, supportive care experts, and other professionals – who work together to provide coordinated, personalized care for you and your loved ones.
- The Gehr Family Center for Leukemia is home to a team of basic scientists whose laboratory research focuses on furthering our understanding of the causes of leukemia (leukemogenesis) and developing new disease-specific therapeutics.
- Comprehensive molecular profiling and risk assessment tests that can help identify treatments that will produce the best outcomes.
- A world-class bone marrow and stem cell transplant program with better than expected survival outcomes for over 10 years.
- Leading-edge clinical trials for leukemia that are unavailable elsewhere, including CAR T cell immunotherapy, mutation-specific drugs and novel stem cell transplant regimens.
- Total marrow irradiation can target radiation therapy to bone marrow while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues and organs.
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- A long-term follow-up program to minimize the risk of recurrence and improve the quality of life for leukemia survivors.
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Our developments in the areas of breakthrough cancer drugs, bone marrow transplants and CAR T cell therapy are recognized internationally.
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Myelodysplastic Syndrome Care Team
Brian Ball, M.D., is a hematologist-oncologist in the Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation at City of Hope.
Ryotaro Nakamura, M.D., is the Jan & Mace Siegel Professor in Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation professor and a hematologist/oncologist at City of Hope.
Eileen P. Smith, M.D., chair of the Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, leads City of Hope with her expertise in hematology and oncology.
Anthony Stein, M.D., is a hematologist-oncologist who specializes in treating and researching acute myeloid leukemia.