Is Myelodysplasia Curable?

Myelodysplasia is also known as "pre-leukemia." It is a condition in which the bone marrow is unable to adequately synthesize blood cells, including oxygen carrying red blood cells, for the body's needs. It often results in anemia and carries with it a high risk of progression to acute myelogenous leukemia. It is a disorder of the stem cells in the bone marrow.

Goals of Treatment

• The primary goals of myelodysplasia treatment are to improve the quality of life and alleviate symptoms for patients.

Bone Marrow Transplants

• One of the most aggressive forms of therapy is a bone marrow transplant, which will provide a temporary "cure" for the myelodysplasia. This cure, however, is not permanent.

Stem Cells

• Stem cell treatment offers the potential for a myelodysplasia cure, but this therapy is still in its developmental stages and is only recommended for young or severely affected patients.

Blood Cell Replacement

• Another aspect of treatment is the periodic replacement of blood cells through blood transfusions, which temporarily eliminates the symptoms of myelodysplasia.

Chemotherapy

• Chemotherapy, using the chemicals decitabine and 5-azacytidine, has been shown to slow the progression of the disease and to decrease the necessary frequency of blood transfusions.