Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a group of cancer-related bone marrow diseases marked by insufficient production of healthy blood cells. Most MDS sufferers are adults, but these ailments also occur in children. The outlook for childhood MDS varies with the individual.
The Facts
MDS can develop on its own (primary MDS), or as the result of chemotherapy or radiation treatment. This secondary form of MDS is also called therapy-related MDS (tMDS).
Treatments
Treatments commonly used to control childhood MDS include chemotherapy, antibiotics and blood transfusions. As of 2009, stem cell transplant is the only potential cure for MDS diseases.
Prognosis
The outlook for childhood MDS patients varies with a child's age and overall health, as well as the type of MDS present. Generally speaking, tMDS is more difficult to treat than primary forms of the disease, although stem cell transplants will help many of these cases, too.
Additional Factors
Prompt and aggressive treatment will help a patient's outlook significantly. Continuous follow-up care is also needed to track changes in the progression of MDS.
Potential Developments
Research is currently under way to make stem cell transplants possible when matches between donor and recipient are less than ideal. Eventually, this could make effective treatment much more widely available.
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