Age alone should not limit access to stem cell transplants for patients with MDS

December 28, 2013

Patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) age 66 to 74 years did as well with stem cell transplantation as patients age 60 to 65 years. This research was presented at the 2013 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting, December 7-10, 2013, in New Orleans, Louisiana. MDS leads to ineffective production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. In some cases, this can progress to bone marrow failure and severe anemia. MDS is diagnosed more frequently in older adults, with a mean age of 71 years at diagnosis. Stem cell transplantation is the only treatment that has the potential to cure MDS, but many patients are not healthy enough to undergo the procedure. (Oncology Nurse Advisor)