HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Myelodysplastic Syndrome

default
Posted on Fri, 25 Apr 2014
Question: My brother, who is 74 yrs old, was just diagnosed with myledysplastic syndrome. His dr. Is prescribing a drug called Procrit. The reading I've done about this drugs side effects leave me quite concerned. I am also concerned about his chances for a cure since the reading I've done is ,at best ,ambiguous and the possibility that it could advance to AML. Can you be a bit more specific about this? Thanks was just diagnosed with mylodys
doctor
Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (6 hours later)
Brief Answer: it is a difficult disease Detailed Answer: Hi Thanksfor your query. Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) at 74 years is a difficult disease to treat. Unfortunately there is no cure. We can provide supportive care, one of which is procrit or erythropoietin which helps increase the hemoglobin. Side effects are manageable and the risk of thrombosis is not very high as often thought to be. Now if the disease is low risk, based upon various factors, supportive care is ok but in high risk disease other treatments like chemotherapy or decitabine may be tried. At 74 yrs chemo will be difficult but decitabine can be used. This can transform into AML, more so in high risk disease. Life expectancy depends on risk group and may range from 6 mo to few years. Hope I have answered your query. I will be available to answer further followup queries if any.
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Indranil Ghosh

Oncologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 1712 Questions

Ask me a question
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask an Oncologist
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
Suggest Treatment For Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Brief Answer: it is a difficult disease Detailed Answer: Hi Thanksfor your query. Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) at 74 years is a difficult disease to treat. Unfortunately there is no cure. We can provide supportive care, one of which is procrit or erythropoietin which helps increase the hemoglobin. Side effects are manageable and the risk of thrombosis is not very high as often thought to be. Now if the disease is low risk, based upon various factors, supportive care is ok but in high risk disease other treatments like chemotherapy or decitabine may be tried. At 74 yrs chemo will be difficult but decitabine can be used. This can transform into AML, more so in high risk disease. Life expectancy depends on risk group and may range from 6 mo to few years. Hope I have answered your query. I will be available to answer further followup queries if any.