Understanding Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)

What is MDS?

• Group of bone marrow failure disorders
• Bone marrow doesn't produce enough healthy blood cells
• Considered a form of blood cancer, can turn into leukemia

Function of Bone Marrow

• Tissue in bones that makes blood cells
• Produces stem cells (immature cells)
• Stem cells mature into:
  • Red blood cells (carry oxygen)
  • White blood cells (fight infection)
  • Platelets (help stop bleeding)

MDS Mechanics

• Stem cells may remain as immature cells (blasts) or develop abnormally
• Leads to too few healthy mature blood cells (cytopenia)
• Types of cytopenia:
  • Anemia: too few red blood cells
  • Neutropenia: too few white blood cells
  • Thrombocytopenia: too few platelets

Causes of MDS

• Alteration in bone marrow cells, affects DNA instructions
• Often unknown cause
• Risk factors:
  • Age over 60
  • Previous chemotherapy or radiation
  • Exposure to certain chemicals
  • Smoking

Symptoms of MDS

• Vary by individual and affected blood cells
• Common symptoms:
  • Fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Heart palpitations
  • Fever or infections
  • Bleeding or bruising easily
• Sometimes asymptomatic

Diagnosis

• Routine blood test (Complete Blood Count)
• Counts red and white blood cells, platelets

Genetic Factors

• Rarely inherited
• Related to genetic changes in DNA
• No specific prevention methods
• Risk can be lowered by:
  • Not smoking
  • Avoiding cancer-causing chemicals
  • Avoiding heavy metals (lead, mercury)
  • Avoiding radiation, certain chemotherapy drugs

Types of MDS

• Based on appearance, number of abnormal cells (blasts), and genetic abnormalities
• MDS type may change with progression
• Scoring system to classify severity:
  • Five categories: Very Low to Very High

Treatment and Prognosis

• Low/Very Low score: May not need treatment for years
• Intermediate/High/Very High score: May need immediate treatment
• 30% risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
• Chemotherapy may help for intermediate/high risk
• High/Very High risk prognosis: 1-2 years without treatment
• Lower risk scores: Better prognosis
• Symptom level affects prognosis

Importance of Understanding MDS

• Learn about type and risk group
• Better information leads to better treatment decisions