Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Question 1

What is Myelodysplasic syndrome?

Answer 1

• Myelodysplastic syndrome is a form of cancer caused by a mutation in the myeloid cells in the bone marrow, resulting in inadequate production of blood cells (described as ineffective haematopoiesis).

Question 2

What has Myelodysplasic syndrome got the potential to transform into?

Answer 2

AML

Question 3

What does Myelodysplasic syndrome cause?

Answer 3

Pancytopenia

Question 4

What are some risk factors of Myelodysplasic syndrome? (2)

Answer 4

○ Older age
○ Previous chemotherapy or radiotherapy

Question 5

What are seen on blood films in Myelodysplasic syndrome?

Answer 5

Blasts

Question 6

What is the diagnostic investigation in Myelodysplasic syndrome?

Answer 6

Bone marrow biopsy

Question 7

What is the management of myelopdysplastic syndrome? (6)

Answer 7

• Watchful waiting
• Supportive treatment (e.g., blood or platelet transfusions)
• Erythropoietin (stimulates red blood cell production)
• Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (stimulates neutrophil production)
• Chemotherapy and targeted therapies (e.g., lenalidomide)
• Allogenic stem cell transplantation (risky but potentially curative)