About treatment
Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) isn't just one disease; it is a group of diseases. The different types of MDS vary in their outlook and response to treatment. Treatment is based on the type of MDS, as well as the patient's age and health. Treatment is given by a specialist like a cancer doctor (oncologist) or a doctor who treats blood diseases (hematologist).
Stem cell transplant (see “Stem cell transplant” section) is the only treatment likely to cure MDS. It may be the treatment of choice for younger patients when a matched donor can be found. And it is the recommended treatment for nearly all children. For older patients, either the high-dose or low-dose transplant approach can be used. For either of these options, it seems best to wait until the disease is advanced before doing the transplant.
When stem cell transplant is not an option, MDS is not thought to be curable. In that case, the goal is to relieve symptoms and avoid problems and side effects of treatment.
Feedback
