Management of older adults with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)

Marlise R Luskin1, Gregory A Abel1

  • 1Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Dana 2056, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.

Insights

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are bone marrow failure disorders common in older adults, impacting quality of life and survival. Treatment must consider patient frailty and comorbidities alongside disease risk.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Oncology
  • Geriatrics

Background:

  • Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorders.
  • MDS leads to bone marrow failure and can progress to acute myeloid leukemia.
  • The median age of MDS diagnosis is over 70, with frequent comorbidities and frailty.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the characteristics of MDS in an elderly population.
  • To discuss the impact of comorbidities and frailty on prognosis and treatment.
  • To emphasize tailored therapeutic approaches for older MDS patients.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of myelodysplastic syndromes in elderly patients.
  • Analysis of prognostic factors including age, comorbidities, and frailty.
  • Evaluation of current treatment strategies for MDS.

Main Results:

  • MDS predominantly affects individuals over 70 years old.
  • Comorbidities and frailty significantly influence MDS prognosis and treatment decisions.
  • Supportive care is primary; disease-modifying therapies are reserved for fit patients.

Conclusions:

  • Optimal management of MDS in older adults requires a comprehensive assessment of disease risk, comorbidities, and patient frailty.
  • Treatment strategies should be individualized to balance therapeutic benefits with potential toxicities.
  • Geriatric principles are essential for managing MDS patients effectively.

Related Concept Videos

Acute Coronary Syndrome V: Nursing Management01:26

Acute Coronary Syndrome V: Nursing Management

Nursing Assessment:Nursing management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) involves taking the patient's history, focusing on primary complaints such as chest pain, dyspnea, and excessive sweating (diaphoresis), as well as other symptoms like back or jaw pain, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, dizziness, and fatigue. The nurse also reviews the patient's history of cardiac events, risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking, family history, and current medications.In the objective assessment,...
360
Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management01:26

Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management

IntroductionNephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder marked by excessive protein loss in the urine, leading to various systemic complications. This condition often results from damage to the glomeruli—the kidney's filtering units—causing proteinuria, low blood protein levels, and fluid retention. Understanding the assessment, diagnosis, and management of nephrotic syndrome is essential for effective treatment and prevention of further kidney damage.AssessmentPatient History: Document...
256
Nephrotic Syndrome III : Nursing Management01:24

Nephrotic Syndrome III : Nursing Management

Nursing management for nephrotic syndrome adapts as the disease progresses, with strategies evolving to address advancing symptoms and complications.Early-Stage Management In the early stages, nursing interventions for nephrotic syndrome resemble those used in managing acute glomerulonephritis, focusing on symptom monitoring, fluid balance, and managing mild to moderate edema.Vital Signs: Regularly monitor blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, and temperature to promptly identify...
351
Irritable Bowel Syndrome III: Medical and Nursing Management01:30

Irritable Bowel Syndrome III: Medical and Nursing Management

Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) involves a multifaceted approach, including lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and medication.
904
Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction01:24

Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction

Nephrotic Syndrome is a chronic kidney disorder defined by clinical findings such as severe proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema. These symptoms result from damage to the glomeruli, the kidney’s filtering units, increasing their permeability to proteins.Definition and Meaning:Proteinuria, defined as the loss of more than 3.5 grams of protein per day in adults, is a crucial feature of nephrotic syndrome. This condition is often accompanied by edema, the accumulation of...
702
Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction

Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) encompasses a spectrum of heart conditions caused by sudden obstruction of coronary arteries, typically resulting from the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and subsequent thrombus (blood clot) formation. This obstruction can lead to partial or complete blockage of blood flow, causing varying degrees of myocardial ischemia or infarction.ACS includes the following clinical entities:Unstable Angina (UA)Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)ST-Elevation...
1.1K