Aranesp (darbepoetin alfa, or DPO) relieves the symptoms of anemia for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) patients and improves patients’ quality of life, according to a recent study published in the journal Leukemia & Lymphoma. 

For the majority of low- or intermediate-1 risk MDS patients, anemia, or low red blood cell count, is the most common cause of symptoms that significantly alters their quality of life.  Although regular red blood cell transfusions can relieve symptoms and keep the body adequately supplied with…

For many patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), common treatment regimens are not always effective against their disease. In such situations, physicians may recommend turning to new combinations of treatments or newly developing treatments through participation in clinical trials.

Taking part in a clinical trial is a huge decision for both patients and their families, and it is one that should be made with careful consideration.

This guide, which will be published as a series of articles over the next couple…

The treatment options for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) patients represents a continuing discovery process with different levels of intensity as evaluated in a recent review of treatment options published in the supplement of the journal Cancer Control.

The main goals when treating high-risk MDS patients are to increase overall survival and delay progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Researchers also strive to improve quality of life through supportive care, achieve independence from red blood cell transfusions, and decrease symptoms.

Options for…

Caregivers are often a very important part of a person’s fight against myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Patients need to focus on their health and may not be well enough to drive themselves to doctor appointments or to keep up with house chores. They also need someone that they can talk to about treatment options and about the emotional roller coaster they may be experiencing.

Patients lean or even depend on their caregiver, and yet as a caregiver, you are also going…

With the flu season upon us, myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) patients are recommended to get the inactivated H1N1 flu shot vaccine, the seasonal flu vaccine, as well as a vaccine for pneumonia for flu-related complications. These three flu shots may be administered simultaneously at different injection sites on the body.

About The H1N1 Flu

The H1N1 flu, also referred to as “swine flu,” has caused thousands of hospitalizations and more than 600 deaths in the United States since it was first…