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Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)
What Is Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)?
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of diseases that cause immature blood cells (called blasts) to accumulate in the bone marrow. This leads to a shortage of mature blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. In addition, the mature blood cells that are made may not function properly. Although MDS can affect people of all ages, the average age of onset is about 70 years.
Syndromes of MDS include:
- 5q syndrome (named after the chromosomal defect that causes the symptoms)
- Hypoplastic MDS
- MDS with myelofibrosis
- MDS with prominent eosinophilia or monocytosis
MDS Treatment at Stanford: Why Choose Us?
The MDS Foundation has recognized the Stanford Cancer Center as an MDS Center of Excellence. In addition, our Cancer Center doctors help develop national treatment guidelines, serve on the boards of MDS organizations and are involved in clinical trials for MDS.
Features of our care include:
- Coordinated care: We work with your referring doctors to manage and coordinate your diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care.
- Education: We provide comprehensive education for patients and their families about MDS.
- Individualized treatment: We tailor your treatment plan to meet your needs, based on your specific syndrome and prognosis.
- Quality of life: Our holistic approach to care emphasizes your overall wellbeing and quality of life. Join our monthly MDS support group.
- Access to the latest treatment: We provide you and your referring doctor access to the latest information and therapies for MDS. Learn more about MDS treatments.
- Clinical trials: You may be eligible to enroll in a clinical trial for MDS, including trials for new medications. Our trials are comprised of both "high intensity" and "low intensity" therapy.
MDS and Leukemia
MDS are a generally indolent (slow-moving) type of cancer. It may stay stable for a prolonged period, but about 30% of the time, the syndromes are a precursor to a more advanced condition, such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML). For this reason, MDS is sometimes called as smoldering leukemia or pre-leukemia.
Risk Factors for MDS
Risk factors include past chemotherapy or radiation treatment, or having certain genetic disorders. Learn more about risk factors for MDS.
Symptoms of MDS
Symptoms of MDS include easy bruising and fatigue. Find out more about the symptoms of myelodysplastic syndromes.
MDS Diagnosis
We use a number of tests to diagnose MDS, including X-rays and specialized blood tests. Learn more about MDS diagnosis.
Once we confirm a diagnosis, we will stage the disease to determine how advanced it is. Staging helps your doctors plan effective treatment. Read more about staging myelodysplastic syndromes.
MDS Treatments
Your treatment plan will depend on your specific syndrome. Treatment options include chemotherapy, stem cell transplant, as well as access to clinical trials. Learn more about myelodysplastic syndromes treatment.
Clinical Trials for Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)
Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate a new medical approach, device, drug, or other treatment. As a Stanford Health Care patient, you may have access to the latest, advanced clinical trials.
Open trials refer to studies currently accepting participants. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but may open in the future.
Clinics for Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)
Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)
Our cancer specialists provide advanced treatments for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), a group of blood disorders, including stem cell transplant.
Myelodysplastic Syndromes
MDS
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