Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of diseases that affect the bone marrow and blood. In MDS, the blood-forming cells in the marrow slow down, or even stop. Most patients with MDS will develop anemia caused be a low number of red blood cells, and may need blood transfusions. Some patients also have low numbers of white blood cells whose job is to fight infections, and platelets which help blood clot when we're bruised or cut. About 19,000 people are diagnosed with MDS in the United States each year. And although it can affect people of any age, the majority is older than 60 years. Exposure to certain industrial chemicals or radiation can increase the risk of developing MDS. In some cases, it is caused by chemotherapy used to treat a different disease. This is called secondary MDS. In most cases though, the cause of MDS is unknown. In this program, we will explore the science behind this disease, learn from leading experts in the study and treatment of MDS, and hear the stories of patients whose lives are affected by MDS.
