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Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) is a group of neoplastic diseases of the hematopoietic system. Myelodysplastic syndromes are little known and are more common than leukemia. What are the causes and symptoms of myelodysplastic syndromes? What is the treatment? These and other questions are answered by prof. Wiesław Jędrzejczak, head of the Department of Hematology, Oncology and Internal Diseases at the Medical University of Warsaw, and Dr. Krzysztof Mądry from the Medical University of Warsaw.

Myelodysplastic syndromes(MDS - myelodysplastic syndrome) is a group of hematopoietic neoplasms characterized by dysplasia (structural abnormalities) and hyperplasia (hyperplasia) of the bone marrow and - paradoxically - deficiency one or more types of cells in the peripheral blood.

- MDS is a disease in the course of which the overproduction of cancer cells is counterbalanced by their premature, excessive dying - explains prof. Wiesław Jędrzejczak.

Myelodysplastic syndromes were identified only in the 1970s. Previously, there was talk of "pre-leukemia states" - said prof. Wiesław Jędrzejczak, head of the Department of Hematology, Oncology and Internal Diseases at the Medical University of Warsaw, at the conference "Hematology - myelodysplastic syndromes". Some patients develop leukemia over time.

Myelodysplastic syndromes mainly affect people over 60 years of age. In Poland, about 2,000 are diagnosed annually. sick. The average age of MDS patients is 70 years. However, they can also be found in young people. In younger people, unlike in the elderly, the course of the disease is characterized by greater aggressiveness with a short survival period and a greater percentage of transformation into leukemia.

Myelodysplastic syndromes - causes and risk factors

Myelodysplastic syndromes are the result of a genetic disorder - for example, the loss of part or all of a chromosome, the transfer of part of the genetic material to another chromosome, the presence of an excess chromosome, or a combination of such changes.

MDS risk factors include, among others exposure to contact with plant protection products, artificial fertilizers, heavy metals, tobacco smoke. Patients may also develop myelodysplastic syndromespreviously treated with ionizing radiation (radiotherapy) and cytostatics (medicines used to treat cancer). This is especially true of alkylating agents and topoisomerase inhibitors.

Myelodysplastic syndromes - symptoms

As Krzysztof Mądry, MD, PhD from the Medical University of Warsaw explains, the symptoms of myelodssplastic syndromes are related to:

1) anemia, i.e. deficiency of red blood cells (a low number of red blood cells affects up to 80-90% of patients):

  • weakness
  • deterioration of exercise tolerance
  • pallor
  • concentration disorders
  • sleepiness

However, these symptoms are not typical of MDS. They may be associated with a deficiency of iron, vitamin B12 - says Dr. Wise. In turn, prof. Jędrzejczak adds that anemia can be caused by blood loss as a result of cancer of the digestive system, such as stomach or colon cancer.

2) lowering the number of platelets:

  • petechiae
  • bruises without injuries
  • other features of a hemorrhagic diathesis

3) lowering the number of neutrophils:

  • frequent, recurring infections

Myelodysplastic syndromes - diagnosis

Routine blood testing (which should be done at least once a year) can help diagnose the condition. However, in many cases, myelodysplastic syndromes are misdiagnosed as anemia. It happens that for this reason a patient with MDS receives iron supplements or vitamin B12 for a long time. Final diagnosis is made on the basis of cytogenetic examination (chromosome examination).

Myelodysplastic syndromes - treatment

The vast majority of patients do not qualify for hematopoietic cell transplantation due to their old age and comorbidities - explains Dr. Krzysztof Mądry. The bone marrow transplant that is burdensome for the organism is possible only in young people whose organism is strong enough. However, the line of "youth" is still shifting and nowadays transplants are carried out even in sixty-year-olds. Unfortunately, it is mainly people over 60 who suffer from MDS. These people receive treatment aimed at prolonging life and relieving the symptoms of the disease. Red blood cell concentrates are transfused, and some patients are given erythropoietin to stimulate the production of these blood cells. However, excess iron build-up in the body can also cause problems. That is why drugs are used, thanks to which you do not need to transfuse blood cells often and which extend your life.

Dangerous blood cancers are recognized too late in Poland

Source: lifestyle.newseria.pl

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Category:

Oncology