Treatments for Myelodysplastic Syndrome

According to the American Cancer Society, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is diagnosed in more than 10,000 new patients per year; 80 percent to 90 percent of them are over age 60. Myelodysplastic syndrome occurs when bone marrow cells have problems producing new blood cells, and many of the cells that are produced are defective. There are eight classifications of myelodysplastic syndrome used by the World Health Organization to determine treatment of MSD.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of various drugs such as cytarabine with idarubicin, cytarabine with fludarabine or cytarabine with topotecan that are either injected or swallowed. Once they enter the bloodstream, these drugs become a systemic treatment that eliminates abnormal cells in the blood and allows normal blood cells to grow once more.

Hypomethylating Agents

Although technically a type of chemotherapy, hypomethylating drugs are classified as a separate type of treatment because these drugs (which include Vidaza and Dacogen) affect how genes are controlled and kill rapidly dividing cells.

Immune Treatments

Drugs such as lenalidomide and thalidomide--drugs that modulate the immune system--seem to work well in cases of low-grade MDS, which can eliminate the need for blood transfusions. Many patients stop using these drugs due to the severe side effects.

Immunosuppression

Drugs such as anti-thymocyte globulin and cyclosporine suppress the immune system and help some MDS patients. They work by suppressing a type of white blood cell that interferes with normal cell production.

Growth Factors

Growth factors can help fight myelodysplastic syndrome by stimulating the bone marrow into producing blood cells. These substances, called hematopoietic growth factors, occur in the body naturally but are supplemented in large amounts in the MDS patient.

Blood Cell Transfusions

Blood transfusions are called "supportive therapy" for MDS patients, as the influx of red blood cells can prevent anemia and the severe fatigue that comes with it. Likewise, myelodysplastic syndrome patients with a shortage of blood platelets may develop bleeding problems and can benefit from a transfusion of platelets.

Stem Cell Transplant (SCT)

The only treatment that can actually cure MDS is a stem cell transplant, in which the patient receives total body radiation or high-dose chemotherapy to kill the bone marrow cells. The new blood-forming stem cells function normally, eradicating the myelodysplastic syndrome in the patient.

Clinical Trials

Controlled research studies (clinical trials) may be a viable treatment option for you as an MDS patient. They feature new procedures and treatments that are promising for MDS patients. More information may be obtained from a medical professional.