What is myelodysplasia?

Myelodysplastic syndrome is a condition where bone fails to produce adequate mature blood cells, resulting in high blast numbers. A proportion of these patients go on to develop a more aggressive type (AML).

Myelodysplasia is a medical term for abnormal appearing cells in the bone marrow. It can be seen in Myelodysplastic Neoplasm (MDS) but can also occur in individuals taking certain drugs (immunosuppressants, chemotherapy), exposed to toxins or radiation or who have nutritional deficiencies. MDS is a type of leukaemia. The main finding in individuals with MDS is low blood counts, including low numbers of white cells, red cells or platelets. Symptoms are usually related to the reduced blood counts, and may include fatigue, reduced exercise capacity, bleeding or frequent infections. Treatment for MDS is individualised. Some individuals do not require treatment, whereas others may require blood transfusions, supportive medications or chemotherapy. A proportion of people who have MDS can progress to develop Acute Myeloid Leukaemia.