Myelodysplastic syndromes, or MDS, are a group of diseases that are caused by the improper formation of many or all of the blood cell lines, states Mayo Clinic. MDS targets the bone marrow, which is where all the cells in the blood are produced. By severely inhibiting the production of blood cells, MDS can cause shortness of breath, anemia, bleeding problems, frequent infections, and fatigue. Treatment for myelodysplastic syndrome focuses on improving the patient's quality of life by reducing the complications of the disease and prolonging the patient's survival.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy refers the use of drugs to treat diseases that are affecting multiple sites within the body, such as cancer and myelodysplastic syndrome, according to the American Cancer Society. Chemotherapy can be administered in pill form or injected into a vein or muscle. Chemotherapeutic drugs destroy the abnormal tissue being produced in MDS so that normal bone marrow tissue can properly produce functional blood cells. Specific drugs used in chemotherapy for MDS include cytarabine, idrarubicin, topotecan, and fludarabine. Side effects of chemotherapy include hair loss, mouth sores, nausea, vomiting, and low blood counts.
The low blood counts seen as a result of chemotherapy can exacerbate the symptoms of MDS, specifically by increasing the already high chance of infection. In order to minimize this affect, patients are advised to practice good hygiene, avoid contact with sick individuals, and where protective devices such as a mask and sanitary gloves. After the cycle of chemotherapy is finished, the patient should experience a rapid rise in the level of functional white blood cells, which are the cells that combat infection.
Blood Transfusions
Blood transfusions can be used in myelodysplastic syndrome to combat the insufficient production of blood cells found in MDS patients. These transfusions increase the levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. These transfusions can temporary alleviate symptoms of MDS, especially the anemia, fatigue, increased risk of infection, and bleeding abnormalities.
Stem Cell Transplant
Stem cell transplant, or SCT, is recognized as the only method of treatment that can cure MDS. This treatment occurs in two phases: The first phase is to destroy all of the patient's one marrow cells, both the abnormal tissue causing the MDS and the normal tissue. This is achieved by the use of radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Once the patient's natural bone marrow has been destroyed, the patient receives a transplant of stem cells that are capable of forming blood cells. These new cells produce normal, functioning blood cells. Side effects of this treatment include damage to the lungs from the radiotherapy, ovarian damage, infertility, thyroid destruction and cataracts.
