MDS Management Therapies

Currently, supportive care is the primary approach for managing myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Health care providers provide supportive care by monitoring symptoms and treating them with transfusions, antibiotics and other therapies.

Anemia (low red blood cell count) is a common symptom of many types of MDS. Doctors often prefer to use a growth factor called erythropoietin (EPO) to manage anemia. For patients who do not respond to EPO alone, doctors may combine EPO with other growth factors to help manage the anemia.1,3

If patients are not good candidates for EPO treatment, doctors may choose to use red blood cell transfusion to manage anemia. However, even though red blood cell transfusion can provide immediate relief from the anemic symptoms a person may be experiencing, it requires additional monitoring because of its common side effects.1

The transfusion side effect that is most important to monitor is iron buildup, also known as iron overload. This can result from the accumulation of red blood cells. Health care professionals can administer a drug called desferrioxamine to remove the excess iron and prevent potential damage to organs, such as the pancreas and liver, and other tissues.1

Another possible side effect of transfusion is fluid retention. This can be especially dangerous in older people with MDS because it may cause shortness of breath and discomfort. This condition can be treated with diuretics.2 Managing anemia with EPO may help minimize the need for transfusion so these side effects may be avoided.1,3

Neutropenia, or low white blood cell count, is a deficiency that some people with MDS experience. Neutropenia cannot be managed with white blood cell transfusion.2 Instead, white blood cell growth factors are used to increase white blood cell production, and doctors monitor their patient’s health status closely. Patients with neutropenia should tell their doctors right away if they have fevers, so possible infections can be quickly treated with antibiotics.3

Thrombocytopenia, or low platelet count, is another deficiency that some people with MDS experience. Usually, it is not managed with platelet transfusion unless a patient's platelet count is very low. However, management therapies that increase platelet counts are being studied, and some are showing promise.2

Besides managing the symptoms of MDS, a major part of managing MDS is maintaining and improving physical and emotional wellness. These efforts can help people with MDS better manage their illness, helping them improve their quality of life.3 To learn more, visit the Wellness Strategies page.