Options for MDS Treatment
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of cancer diseases that affect the bone marrow and white and red blood cells. While some kinds of MDS are mild and easy to manage, other types can be severe and life-threatening. MDS can also commonly form into leukemia if it isn’t diagnosed and able to be controlled properly.
Although researchers haven’t found a cure yet for these types of cancers, they are many MDS treatments available to patients. There are also many ways that those who want to help to raise money and awareness for MDS and other types of fatal cancers.
Treatment Options for MDS
There are several different treatments available to patients who are diagnosed with MDS. According to research, the best treatment for someone living with MDS depends upon their age, the overall risk level of the illness, the patient’s health and the type of MDS they are living with. Some of the most common treatments include:
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Supportive care
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Bone marrow or cord blood transplant
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Chemotherapy
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Drug therapies
Since types of treatments are always being tested, many patients choose to take part in a clinical trial for their MDS treatment. Some standard treatments such as chemotherapy can by given to patients through clinical trials along with more innovative and alternative forms of treatment.
MDS Treatment Support
For patients seeking MDS treatment, supportive care is also available. With this type of treatment, the goal is to manage the disease and any related problems. In some cases, supportive care may be the only treatment needed, and these patients simply need to have regular doctor check-ups to ensure the disease doesn’t get severe.
People with more severe MDS and those who are older sometimes opt for supportive care in addition to other forms of treatment. While others weigh the risks and benefits of different treatment options and choose to receive supportive care from time to time in conjunction with other treatments like chemotherapy or drug therapies.
Getting a Blood Transfusion
Many patients who have been diagnosed with MDS need a blood transfusion to manage and decrease the severity of their symptoms. Red blood transfusions help to reduce symptoms including exhaustion and a shortness of breath. Platelet transfusions reduce the risk of excessive bleeding problems.
Additional treatments should also are also given in combination with blood transfusions since they often give build up iron in the body. Too much iron causes organ damage in patients with MDS so combination therapies are often very beneficial.
Growth Factors for Treatment
Growth factors are medications that enable the body to produce more healthy red blood cells. A person living with MDS is often given growth factors to reduce the need for red blood cell transfusions. However, a drawback of growth factors is that in some cases the marrow isn’t able to properly respond.
Growth factors can also be beneficial after being given a transplant. In the case of a blood transfusion, the drugs can speed up red blood cell production and reduce the patient’s need for another transfusion and the risk of infection.
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