Myelodysplastic Syndrome

What is myelodysplastic syndrome? 

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a group of conditions that impact the ability of the body to make new, healthy blood cells. Classified as a type of cancer, MDS occurs when the cells in bone marrow that are responsible for making new blood cells begin producing cells that don’t mature properly, or which die soon after being created. This results in a person not having enough healthy blood cells, with the most common result being a shortage of red blood cells that causes anemia. According to the American Cancer Society, about one-third of patients with MDS develop acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which is a cancer of bone marrow cells.  

There are several different subtypes of myelodysplastic syndrome, depending on which types of blood cells are affected.  These include:

• Myelodysplastic syndromes with ring sideroblasts: in which one or more types of blood cells are impacted, with red blood cells accumulating excess iron into characteristic rings 
• Myelodysplastic syndromes, unclassifiable: in which one or more types of blood cells display abnormalities, or seem normal but display mutations commonly seen in MDS.
• Myelodysplastic syndromes with single-lineage dysplasia, in which one type of blood cell count is low and doesn’t develop properly
• Myelodysplastic syndromes with multilineage dysplasia: in which 2-3 blood cell types produced are abnormal
• Myelodysplastic syndromes with isolated del(5q) chromosome abnormality: in which those diagnosed have a low red blood cell count and a unique genetic mutation 
• Myelodysplastic syndromes with excess blasts: in which platelets, white blood cells and red blood cells can be impacted, with undeveloped blood cells called “blasts” accumulating in the marrow and blood.

What are the symptoms of myelodysplastic syndrome?

The symptoms of myelodysplastic syndrome can be different for every patient, and vary based on how advanced the condition is. Common symptoms can include:

• Anemia, which is a low red blood cell count
• Thrombocytopenia, which is a low platelet count
• Leukopenia, which is a low white blood cell count
• Unexplained fatigue
• Looking pale
• Infections, due to a reduced number of healthy white blood cells
• Difficulty getting bleeding to stop
• Shortness of breath
• Bruising easily
• Petechiae, which are small, reddish brown spots caused by bleeding under the skin

What are the risk factors for myelodysplastic syndrome?

There are a number of factors that are believed to increase your risk of developing myelodysplastic syndrome. These include: 

• Smoking 
• Being older, as the condition is usually diagnosed in patients over 60
• Exposure to pesticides, fertilizers and solvents on the job, including benzene
• Exposure to heavy metals like mercury or lead
• Prior chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer

How is myelodysplastic syndrome diagnosed?

After discussing your symptoms and medical history with your doctor, you will likely be given a thorough medical exam. If myelodysplastic syndrome is suspected, your blood will be drawn and subjected to what’s called a Complete Blood Count, in which the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and the amount of hemoglobin in the blood are measured. 

At Hoag, other tests may include: 

• Bone marrow biopsy, in which physicians take a sample of bone, bone marrow and blood by inserting a needle into a bone. These samples are then examined to establish a diagnosis.  
• Peripheral blood smear, in which a blood sample is checked for changes in the blood cells, the presence of too much iron and other issues.
• Cytogenetic analysis, in which the genetic makeup of a blood or bone marrow sample is examined for changes or mutations.

I’ve been diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome. Now what do I do?

After diagnosis, your doctor will talk to you about your current symptoms, discuss treatment options and potentially refer you to a specialist for more tests or surgery.

Trust Hoag for your myelodysplastic syndrome treatment. For the sixth consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report’s 2022-2023 Best Hospitals Rankings named Hoag the highest-ranked hospital in Orange County.

Hoag is here to provide support every step of the way for those diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome. That includes providing patients with Hoag’s unique Clinical Nurse Navigators — trained, clinical nurses who serve as a resource and guide for patients facing myelodysplastic syndrome, providing support at every phase. 

Explore other resources Hoag provides specifically for cancer patients, including dedicated oncology social workers, smoking cessation help, counseling, dietary support, faith-based care and more. 

What are the treatment options for myelodysplastic syndrome?

Treatment options for myelodysplastic syndrome are limited, and are mostly centered around helping patients deal with the symptoms of the disease. These may include: 

• Transfusion therapy, in which patients are given a transfusion of healthy blood to help boost the patient’s blood cell counts. 
• Iron chelation therapy, to help remove excess iron in the blood
• Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) which can boost the red blood cells created by the body and fight the impact of anemia
• Antibiotics, to help fight infection
• Drug therapies that target rapidly-dividing cells or suppress the immune response
• Chemotherapy
• Stem cell transplant

Facing a myelodysplastic syndrome diagnosis is a terrifying experience, but with Hoag in your corner, you’ve got the best chance of beating this disease. Meet Hoag’s world-class hematological disorders team.

Integrated Support Services at Hoag 

At Hoag Family Cancer Institute, we’re committed to offering the best support services, resources and educational information to our patients and their families at every stage of their cancer journey. Hoag’s Integrated Cancer Support Services are open to everyone regardless of their prognosis, cancer stage or phase of recovery. 

Resources include: 

• Classes & Workshops
• Counseling Services
• Image Appearance Enhancement Program
• Support Groups
• Hoag Rehabilitation Services
• Spiritual Care Services
• Oncology Massage
• Oncology Nutrition
• Financial Navigators for cancer-related care

Find more information about Integrated Cancer Support Services at Hoag.

Are there any clinical trials for myelodysplastic syndrome?

Hoag is committed to leading the way in state-of-the-art technologies and advanced treatment options. Part of this commitment includes clinical research with the goal of helping patients live longer, healthier lives. Through carefully planned clinical trials, researchers evaluate the safety and effectiveness of new ways to diagnose, treat and prevent diseases or conditions. Treatments studied in clinical trials might be new drugs or new combinations of drugs, new surgical procedures or devices, or new ways to use existing treatments. View clinical trials for myelodysplastic syndrome here.

At Hoag, our clinical research team is committed to excellence in research and a continuing commitment to protect the interests and well-being of patients.  Contact us at 949-764-4577 to see if joining a clinical trial for myelodysplastic syndrome is right for you.

Survivorship Support at Hoag

At Hoag, we understand that a cancer diagnosis may cause you and your family to experience a variety of  significant life changes. We are committed to providing you with support before, during and after treatment. Hoag’s survivorship resources help you navigate through the challenges of telling friends and family about your cancer, working while living with cancer, returning to “normal” after cancer and so much more. We strive to provide you with the resources needed to feel empowered in your everyday life.

Learn more about our Survivorship Support here.