Myelodysplastic syndromes

Title

Other Names:

MDS

Categories:

Blood Diseases

Summary Summary

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a rare group of blood disorders characterized by abnormal development of blood cells within the bone marrow. Individuals with MDS have abnormally low blood cell levels (low blood counts). Signs and symptoms associated with MDS include dizziness, fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, bruising and bleeding, frequent infections, and headaches.^[1]^[2] In some cases, MDS may progress to bone marrow failure or an acute leukemia. The exact cause of MDS is unknown. It sometimes runs in families, but no disease-causing gene has been identified. Treatment depends on the affected individual's age, general health, and type of MDS and may include red cell and/or platelet transfusions and antibiotics.^[1]

Last updated: 3/23/2012

Symptoms Symptoms

The Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO) provides the following list of features that have been reported in people with this condition. Much of the information in the HPO comes from Orphanet, a European rare disease database. If available, the list includes a rough estimate of how common a feature is (its frequency). Frequencies are based on a specific study and may not be representative of all studies. You can use the MedlinePlus Medical Dictionary for definitions of the terms below.

Signs and Symptoms	Approximate number of patients (when available)
Myelodysplasia	-
Somatic mutation	-

Last updated: 9/1/2016

Cause Cause

It is known that the abnormal development of blood cells associated with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) develops as the result of a series of somatic genetic changes - mutations that are not inherited that arise after conception - in cells that later become blood cells. These changes alter normal cell growth and differentiation, resulting in the accumulation of abnormal, immature cells in the bone marrow, thus leading to the signs and symptoms of MDS. Some recurring chromosome abnormalities and translocations have been identified and can affect treatment planning and prognosis.^[3]

Many times the underlying cause of MDS is unknown (idiopathic MDS). Sometimes, MDS can develop after chemotherapy and radiation treatment for cancer or autoimmune diseases (secondary MDS). There are also some possible risk factors for developing the condition.^[1] Having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will get MDS; not having risk factors doesn’t mean that an individual will not get MDS.^[2] Possible risk factors for MDS may include past treatment with chemotherapy or radiation therapy; exposure to some chemicals (pesticides and benzene); exposure to heavy metals (such as mercury or lead); cigarette smoking; viral infections; being over 60 years of age; and being male or white.^[1]^[2] The majority of individuals developing MDS have no obvious connection with environmental hazards. MDS also sometimes runs in families, which suggests a potential genetic link with the disease; however, no disease causing gene has been identified.^[1]

Last updated: 3/23/2012

Treatment Treatment

FDA-Approved Treatments

The medication(s) listed below have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as orphan products for treatment of this condition. Learn more orphan products.

Decitabine (Brand name: Dacogen® (injection)) - Manufactured by Eisai Medical Research, Inc.
FDA-approved indication: For treatment of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) including previously treated and untreated, de novo and secondary MDS of all French-American-British subtypes (refractory anemia, refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts, refractory anemia with excess blasts, refractory anemia with excess blasts in transformation, and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia) and intermediate-1, intermediate-2, and high-risk International Prognostic Scoring System groups.
National Library of Medicine Drug Information Portal
Lenalidomide (Brand name: Revlimid®) - Manufactured by Celgene Corporation
FDA-approved indication: For use in combination with dexamethasone for the treatment of multiple myeloma patients who have received at least one prior therapy.
National Library of Medicine Drug Information Portal
Azacitidine (Brand name: Vidaza®) - Manufactured by Celgene Corporation
FDA-approved indication: Treatment of patients with the following myelodysplastic syndrome subtypes: refractory anemia or refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts (if accompanied by neutropenia or thrombocytopenia and requiring transfusions), refractory anemia with excess blas
National Library of Medicine Drug Information Portal
Medline Plus Health Information

Research Research

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are studying or have studied Myelodysplastic syndromes. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

Organizations Organizations

Nonprofit support and advocacy groups bring together patients, families, medical professionals, and researchers. These groups often raise awareness, provide support, and develop patient-centered information. Many are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct people to research, resources, and services. Many groups also have experts who serve as medical advisors. Visit their website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD. Suggest an organization to add.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation, Inc.
100 Park Avenue, Suite 108
Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-free: (800) 747-2820
Telephone: (301) 279-7202
Fax: (301) 279-7205
E-mail: help@aamds.org
Website: http://www.aamds.org/
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
3 International Drive, Suite 200
Rye Brook, NY 10573
Toll-free: 800-955-4572
Telephone: 914-949-5213
Fax: 914-949-6691
E-mail: infocenter@lls.org
Website: http://www.lls.org/

Organizations Providing General Support

American Cancer Society
250 Williams Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30329
Toll-free: 800-227-2345
Website: http://www.cancer.org

Living With Living With

Living with a genetic or rare disease can impact the daily lives of patients and families. These resources can help families navigate various aspects of living with a rare disease.

Genetics Resources

To find a medical professional who specializes in genetics, you can ask your doctor for a referral or you can search for one yourself. Online directories are provided by GeneTests, the American College of Medical Genetics, and the National Society of Genetic Counselors. If you need additional help, contact a GARD Information Specialist. You can also learn more about genetic consultations from Genetics Home Reference.

Financial Resources

Good Days provides help to patients with life-altering conditions. Assistance includes help with the cost of medications and travel.
Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN Foundation) has Assistance Programs for those with health insurance who reside in the United States. The disease fund status can change over time, so you may need to check back if funds are not currently available.

Learn More Learn More

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

MedlinePlus was designed by the National Library of Medicine to help you research your health questions, and it provides more information about this topic.
The National Cancer Institute provides the most current information on cancer for patients, health professionals, and the general public.
The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) has a report for patients and families about this condition. NORD is a patient advocacy organization for individuals with rare diseases and the organizations that serve them.

In-Depth Information

Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) is a catalog of human genes and genetic disorders. Each entry has a summary of related medical articles. It is meant for health care professionals and researchers. OMIM is maintained by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Myelodysplastic syndromes. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

News & Events News & Events

News

$100,000 PNH research grant opportunity
June 16, 2015
AA&MDSIF Grant Opportunities
January 22, 2015

GARD Answers GARD Answers

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Is there any information about what genes are on chromosome 20q12 and what those genes do? See answer

References References

Myelodysplastic Syndromes. NORD. March 15, 2012; http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/1139/viewAbstract. Accessed 3/23/2012.
General Information About Myelodysplastic Syndromes. NCI. March 16, 2012; http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/myelodysplastic/Patient. Accessed 3/23/2012.
Yanming Zhang, Michelle M Le Beau. Cytogenetics and molecular genetics of myelodysplastic syndromes. UpToDate. UpToDate; October 11, 2011;