Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of myeloid stem cell disorders that gradually affect the ability of a person's bone marrow to produce normal cells such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Patients with MDS have a risk of the disease progressing to acute myelogenous leukemia.

The risk of MDS increases with age as the disease most commonly affects people between the ages of 58 to 75. The incidence of MDS in children is only about 5% of all pediatric hematologic malignancies.

The exact cause of MDS is not currently known. It is hypothesized that a genetic progression - or evolution- occurs in patients with MDS. The first step (called initiation) involves an "attack" on hematopoietic stem cells which are actively dividing cells that produce blood cells. The second step (called tumor promotion or clonal expansion) is characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis (blood cell production) and typically a high rate of cell death. The third step (called malignant transformation) is characterized by the increase in leukemia blast cells and the progression of AML.

The treatment options for MDS are based upon the age of the patient as well as clinical test results and the patient's prognosis as determined by the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS). In general, there are three main treatment choices available:

1. Supportive treatment only to correct conditions such as anemia and

neutropenia (reduced numbers of white blood cells in the circulation)

2. Promote normal hematopoiesis (blood cell production) and improve

myelodysplastic hematopoiesis.

3. Eradicate the underlying myelodysplastic clone to restore normal

hematopoiesis.

Learn more by ordering your MediFocus Guidebook on Myelodysplastic Syndrome, the most comprehensive, up-to-date source of information available. You will get answers to your questions, including:

• What are the risk factors of Myelodysplastic Syndrome?
• What standard and alternative treatment options are available?
• Where are the leading doctors, hospitals and medical centers that specialize in Myelodysplastic Syndrome research and treatment?
• What are the results of the latest clinical trials?
• Where are the support groups and additional resources in my area?
• What are the promising new treatments on the horizon?

You won't find this combination of information anywhere else. Your health matters. Don't leave it to chance. Arm yourself with the most comprehensive, up-to-date research available by ordering your MediFocus Guidebook today. Click here to preview the MediFocus Guidebook on Myelodysplastic Syndrome.