Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) Treatment | I D Cancer Center
Overview
Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) is a group of disorders in which the bone marrow does not produce enough healthy blood cells. The bone marrow becomes “dysplastic,” meaning the blood cells it makes are abnormal and often destroyed before they enter the bloodstream.
MDS can range from mild to severe and, in some cases, may progress to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) if not managed early.
At I D Cancer Center, our team offers advanced diagnostics, genetic testing, targeted therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and supportive care to ensure the best possible outcomes for MDS patients.
Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) is a group of disorders in which the bone marrow does not produce enough healthy blood cells. The bone marrow becomes “dysplastic,” meaning the blood cells it makes are abnormal and often destroyed before they enter the bloodstream.
MDS can range from mild to severe and, in some cases, may progress to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) if not managed early.
At I D Cancer Center, our team offers advanced diagnostics, genetic testing, targeted therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and supportive care to ensure the best possible outcomes for MDS patients.
What Causes MDS?
MDS develops when there is DNA damage within bone marrow stem cells.
MDS develops when there is DNA damage within bone marrow stem cells.
Common Causes & Risk Factors
Increasing age (most common above 60 years)
Previous chemotherapy or radiation therapy
Long-term exposure to chemicals (benzene, pesticides)
Smoking
Family history of blood disorders
Genetic mutations (TP53, SF3B1, TET2, etc.)
MDS is not contagious.
Increasing age (most common above 60 years)
Previous chemotherapy or radiation therapy
Long-term exposure to chemicals (benzene, pesticides)
Smoking
Family history of blood disorders
Genetic mutations (TP53, SF3B1, TET2, etc.)
MDS is not contagious.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms occur due to low blood cell counts.
Symptoms occur due to low blood cell counts.
Low Red Blood Cells (Anemia)
Fatigue
Breathlessness
Pale skin
Dizziness
Chest discomfort
Fatigue
Breathlessness
Pale skin
Dizziness
Chest discomfort
Low White Blood Cells (Neutropenia)
Frequent infections
Fever
Poor healing
Frequent infections
Fever
Poor healing
Low Platelets (Thrombocytopenia)
Easy bruising
Bleeding gums
Petechiae (small red spots)
Nosebleeds
Easy bruising
Bleeding gums
Petechiae (small red spots)
Nosebleeds
Other Symptoms
Unexplained weight loss
Loss of appetite
Bone pain (rare)
If you have persistent fatigue or abnormal blood counts, early evaluation is important.
Unexplained weight loss
Loss of appetite
Bone pain (rare)
If you have persistent fatigue or abnormal blood counts, early evaluation is important.
Diagnosis at I D Cancer Center
We conduct a thorough diagnostic work-up following international (WHO) guidelines.
We conduct a thorough diagnostic work-up following international (WHO) guidelines.
🩸 Blood Tests
Complete blood count (CBC)
Peripheral smear
Reticulocyte count
Complete blood count (CBC)
Peripheral smear
Reticulocyte count
🔬 Bone Marrow Evaluation
Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy
Morphology & dysplasia assessment
Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy
Morphology & dysplasia assessment
🧬 Cytogenetic & Molecular Testing
Karyotyping (to detect chromosomal abnormalities)
FISH analysis
- Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) panelThese tests help determine the type of MDS and guide treatment planning.
Karyotyping (to detect chromosomal abnormalities)
FISH analysis
📊 Risk Stratification
We use IPSS/IPSS-R scoring to identify low, intermediate, or high-risk disease.
We use IPSS/IPSS-R scoring to identify low, intermediate, or high-risk disease.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on MDS type, severity, age, and overall health.
Treatment depends on MDS type, severity, age, and overall health.
1. Supportive Treatment
Blood transfusions (RBC/platelets)
Iron chelation therapy
Growth factors (Erythropoietin, G-CSF)
Blood transfusions (RBC/platelets)
Iron chelation therapy
Growth factors (Erythropoietin, G-CSF)
2. Targeted Therapy
For specific genetic mutations:
Lenalidomide (especially for del(5q) MDS)
Luspatercept for anemia in selected cases
For specific genetic mutations:
Lenalidomide (especially for del(5q) MDS)
Luspatercept for anemia in selected cases
3. Hypomethylating Agents
Standard modern therapy for MDS:
Azacitidine
- DecitabineThese help improve blood counts and delay progression to leukemia.
4. Immunotherapy
Used in selected situations:
Anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG)
Cyclosporine
Used in selected situations:
Anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG)
Cyclosporine
5. Chemotherapy
Reserved for high-risk MDS or transformation to AML.
Reserved for high-risk MDS or transformation to AML.
6. Stem Cell Transplant
7. Radiation Therapy
At I D Cancer Center, radiotherapy is used for:
Pain from bone lesions
Spleen enlargement
- Symptomatic bone marrow–related complicationsDelivered using IMRT, IGRT, and VMAT for maximum safety.
Living with MDS
Routine CBC and marrow assessment
Infection prevention strategies
Nutritional and lifestyle counselling
Support for fatigue and weakness
Psychosocial and emotional support
Long-term follow-up for disease progression
With appropriate care, many patients live stable and meaningful lives.
Why Choose I D Cancer Center?
Expert oncology care led by Dr. Sunil Kumar
Full diagnostic setup: CBC, marrow biopsy, cytogenetics, NGS
Access to modern therapies like azacitidine, decitabine, lenalidomide
Multidisciplinary management approach
Advanced radiotherapy (IMRT/IGRT/VMAT)
Compassionate, patient-centered environment
Located in Sushant Golf City, Lucknow
Expert oncology care led by Dr. Sunil Kumar
Full diagnostic setup: CBC, marrow biopsy, cytogenetics, NGS
Access to modern therapies like azacitidine, decitabine, lenalidomide
Multidisciplinary management approach
Advanced radiotherapy (IMRT/IGRT/VMAT)
Compassionate, patient-centered environment
Located in Sushant Golf City, Lucknow
