Blood and marrow transplant (BMT) is currently the only cure for MDS patients. M Health Fairview Cancer Care physicians have been a world leader in treating blood cancers, like MDS, with BMT since 1968, when the world’s first successful BMT was completed here.
Overview
Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a disorder that occurs when the stem cells in your bone marrow develop into abnormal white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets. These cells do not function normally and soon die, leaving less room for healthy blood cells to develop. Disease severity can range from mild MDS, with low impact on quality of life, to severe MDS, with severely low blood counts, repeated infections, and a need for blood transfusions. In about a third of the cases, MDS can develop into acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
MDS most commonly occurs in adults older than 60. In the past, blood and marrow transplants were not always available for people over the age of 60. Recently, medical guidance has expanded the availability of BMT for older adults, allowing adults up to the age of 79 to receive transplant care.
Our approach
Many treatments that are now available to patients around the world were pioneered at our National Cancer Institute-designated research center: Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota. That includes blood and marrow transplant, which is currently the only cure for MDS patients. The world’s first successful BMT was completed here in 1968, and our providers have treated thousands of patients with BMT since.
Our care team creates individualized treatment plans for MDS patients by evaluating not only the type and severity of the disease, but also the patient’s overall health and goals for treatment. For those patients who are not good candidates for a BMT, numerous chemotherapy treatment choices exist.
We continue to perform leading-edge research in collaboration with scientists at the Masonic Cancer Center with the goal of improving treatments while limiting side effects. This research often benefits patients who have failed standard therapies.
Information for providers looking to refer patients may be found here.
