Iron chelation therapy in low risk myelodysplastic syndrome

Anaemia is the commonest cytopenia seen in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and the majority of patients will require transfusion support at some point. Blood transfusions are rich in iron, which leads to the accumulation of body iron over time. It is accepted that this ultimately causes end organ damage and may impact on both morbidity and mortality. In addition, recent data has increased our interest in the subject with regard to the potential impact on stem cell transplant outcome and an anti-leukaemic effect of iron chelation therapy. There is still debate over which patients should receive iron chelation therapy, but the emergence of new diagnostic and prognostic markers in MDS may help decision making in the clinic setting.