Chemo for MDS

[Neel]

Hi

Is there anyone who can guide me in regard to chemo for MDS (how, when, why, side effects, benefits, etc etc)

Neel

[Birgitta-A]

Hi Neel,
You could look at the info at this site http://www.marrowforums.org/mds.html#treatment

Revlimid is an anti-angiogenic agent that works by slowing the growth of the blood vessels that feed MDS cells, and killing abnormal cells. Approved for lower-risk, transfusion-dependent MDS patients with the "5q-" abnormality of chromosome 5.

Vidaza and Dacogen are demethylating agents prevent the growth of abnormal bone marrow cells. Approved for all MDS subtypes.

Vidaza is the first choice for many patients. It is given under the scin or in a vein in cycles that is daily during 5 or 7 days during a 28 days period.

Your father have increased blast cells (if they are more than 20 % he has AML) so he needs treatment now.

The adverse effects are nausea (special treatment for that), low counts initially and injection site reactions.

Only a little more than 50 % of the patients respond and that will often take at least 6 months.
Kind regards
Birgitta-A