TYPES OF MDS TREATMENT

Only your doctor can determine which treatment is right for you. There are several treatments, but not every one is right for every person. Ask your doctor which treatment is right for you.

Supportive care:

Patients receive red blood cell and/or platelet transfusions, antibiotics, and other medications such as blood cell growth factors which stimulate blood cell production. These treatments are intended to control symptoms and to prevent infections. The main goal of supportive care therapy is to relieve symptoms of the disease and prevent problems from low blood counts.

Hypomethylating Agents:

DACOGEN is a hypomethylating agent that is designed to fight the underlying disease rather than just relieving the symptoms. Treatment with DACOGEN may lead to normal production of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. As a result, a patient’s symptoms may improve and the need for blood transfusions and growth factors may be reduced or eliminated.

Chemotherapy:

Chemotherapy drugs kill cells in the blood and marrow. Chemotherapy often involves the use of a combination of drugs to stop the growth of rapidly dividing cells.

Stem Cell Transplant:

Stem cell transplant is the only potential cure for MDS, but it is not for every patient.¹⁰ It is generally reserved for patients who are younger and have the physical ability to withstand the effects of the chemotherapy required prior to the transplant. During the procedure, the patient’s bone marrow is destroyed using chemotherapy and radiation. The bone marrow is then replaced with new, disease-free, blood-forming stem cells, oftentimes from a donor.

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