Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 1, 2026
Use of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation to Assess the Origin of Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Published on: October 3, 2018
Myelodysplastic syndromes in the United States: an update for clinicians
Jesse D Troy1, Ehab Atallah, Julia T Geyer
1The EMMES Corporation , Rockville, MD , USA.
Abstract:
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are heterogeneous malignant bone marrow disorders diagnosed most often in elderly white persons. MDS have significant clinical consequences, including cytopenias leading to infection, bleeding, and death; and approximately one-third of cases progress to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Only one potentially curative therapy exists-allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT)-but this therapy is not widely used due to associated morbidity and mortality in elderly patients. Recent research suggests MDS occurs more frequently than previously thought and may be responsible for a substantial proportion of unexplained anemias in elderly persons. Incidence of MDS is expected to increase with increases in life expectancy. Therefore, we offer this comprehensive narrative update of MDS to inform the medical community treating the population at risk for MDS, with a focus on MDS epidemiology and clinical management in the United States. This review includes a brief historical background of MDS, provides an overview of the population burden of disease, discusses the molecular pathology of MDS, describes the clinical features and management of MDS, and discusses future directions in MDS research. Our objective is to inform general medicine practitioners and call attention to the need for translational research in MDS.
Insights
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are common in older adults, leading to serious health issues and potentially acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Understanding MDS epidemiology and management is crucial for effective patient care.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are heterogeneous clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorders.
- MDS are diagnosed in elderly individuals, presenting with cytopenias and a risk of transformation to acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
- Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is the only curative option but is limited by morbidity and mortality in elderly patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive narrative update on Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).
- To focus on MDS epidemiology and clinical management in the United States.
- To inform medical practitioners about the increasing incidence and management of MDS in at-risk populations.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of existing literature on MDS.
- Discussion of historical background, disease burden, molecular pathology, clinical features, and management.
- Emphasis on epidemiology and clinical management within the US context.
Main Results:
- MDS occurs more frequently than previously estimated, contributing to unexplained anemias in the elderly.
- The incidence of MDS is projected to rise with increasing life expectancy.
- Current management strategies for MDS are discussed, highlighting challenges in elderly patients.
Conclusions:
- MDS represents a significant and growing health burden, particularly in the aging population.
- There is a need for increased awareness and improved management strategies for MDS.
- Further translational research is essential to advance MDS diagnosis and treatment.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Cellular Adaptation IV: Dysplasia and Metaplasia
01:27Disorders of Leukocytes
Leukopenia may result from bone marrow disorders, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. For example, conditions such as multiple myeloma and aplastic anemia can impair the bone marrow's ability to produce adequate leukocytes. Similarly, autoimmune diseases like lupus and viral infections such as HIV can prompt the immune...
01:28Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
01:22Bone Marrow Sampling and Transplants
The transplant begins with high doses of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, which aim to destroy...
01:27Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)
01:27Disorders of Erythrocytes
Erythrocyte disorders can be broadly categorized into two main types: anemic and polycythemic conditions.
A low oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood due to the loss, lower production, or destruction of erythrocytes is termed anemia. Hemorrhagic anemia, for example, occurs when bleeding from an external wound or internal ulcer reduces erythrocyte counts.
On the other...