Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)

Symptoms

The symptoms depend on the underlying subgroup. The symptoms in the beginning may be fatigue and weakness when there is an anemia present. If there are low platelets in the bone marrow, bleeding might occur. With a low white blood cell count, fever and infections would be in the foreground.

Non specific symptoms such as anorexia, weight loss and in the presence of an enlarged spleen and a swollen abdomen would be present.

Tests

Blood test results vary depending on which subtype is present. There would be grossly abnormal blood test findings in one case, and more subtle changes in another case. Any such case should be referred to a hematologist, as further tests including bone marrow tests need to be done to classify exactly what is going on.

Treatment and Prognosis

For treatment options, which are quite limited at this point and which depend on the subtype present, the patient should rely on the advice of a hematologist. The prognosis is quite varied depending on what type of underlying diagnosis is present. The following table shows some typical survival data from the literature (Ref. 1 and 2):

*Classification of MDS (myelodysblastic syndrome)*
Subtypes of MSD:	Median survival: (years)
Refractory anemia	5
Refractory anemia with excess blasts	1.5
Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia	1.5
Refractory anemia with excess blasts in transformation	0.5

There is no established treatment at the present time for MDS. Myelodysplastic syndrome treatment is supportive with blood transfusions, platelet transfusions and antibiotic therapy. However, this is a very complex disease entity, which needs the input and advice of an experienced hematologist to manage it. Here is a link for more information on MDS.

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Chronic Leukemia

Leukemia

Disclaimer

This outline is only a teaching aid to patients and should stimulate you to ask the right questions when seeing your doctor. However, the responsibility of treatment stays in the hands of your doctor and you.

References

1. Cancer: Principles &Practice of Oncology. 4th edition. Edited by Vincent T. DeVita, Jr. et al. Lippincott, Philadelphia,PA, 1993. Chapter on Chronic Leukemia.

2. Cancer: Principles&Practice of Oncology. 5th edition, volume 2. Edited by Vincent T. DeVita, Jr. et al. Lippincott-Raven Publ., Philadelphia,PA, 1997. Chapter on Chronic Leukemia.

3. BJ Druker et al. N Engl J Med 2001 Apr 5;344(14):1031-1037.

4. MJ Mauro et al. Curr Oncol Rep 2001 May;3(3):223-227.

Last Modified: May 30, 2005