Latest Developments

The past several years have brought exciting new developments in the treatment and understanding of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). A better understanding of the disease has provided new treatments that are being tested in many clinical studies.1

The ongoing studies are looking at ways to improve current treatment options, and are also testing new treatments, for MDS. Growth factors are good examples of these continuing efforts. Growth factors are hormones that stimulate the body’s own processes. For instance, a growth factor that stimulates red blood cell production is helpful in treating anemia (low red blood cell count).2 Researchers are working to improve the effects of these hormones and develop new ones. Their studies are showing promising results.3

Researchers also are working to develop better treatment options for older patients with MDS.4 In addition, there are new therapies on the horizon that may help restore normal bone marrow function, which is the primary goal of all MDS treatment and research. Another goal of researching current and new treatments is to make these therapies more effective and less toxic so that more MDS patients can benefit from them.5