Chemotherapy for Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) refers to a group of related diseases of the bone marrow. The objective of chemotherapy for MDS is to slow its progression rather than actually cure the condition.

Supportive Care

• Supportive care for MDS includes blood transfusions and injections of erythropoietin, which increases the body's production of red blood cells. Antibiotics are also commonly administered to treat infections.

Azacytidine

• Azacytidine (Vidaza) delays the progression of MDS into leukemia and therefore improves the survival rate of MDS patients. Doctors prescribe this medication to patients with low blood cell counts.

Decitabine

• Decitabine (Dacogen) causes myeloid cells to mature more quickly. Its effect is similar to that of azacytidine and also slows the progression of MDS into leukemia.

Lenalidomide

• Lenalidomide (Revlimid) is an immunomodulatory agent that modifies the immune system and is related to thalidomide. It's most commonly used in patients with the 5q- chromosome abnormality.

Antithymocyte Globulin

• Antithymocyte globulin (ATG) suppresses the actions of white blood cells. This can be helpful in cases where white blood cells interfere with the production of red blood cells.