Is there a cure for Myelodysplasia anemia?

Question

this is a bone marrow disease....please help me!

Answer 1

Survival Rates

Up to 60 percent of patients that receive bone marrow transfusions achieve long-term survival.


Treatment Strategies

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (transfusions using marrow, peripheral blood or cord blood from a compatible donor) is the most effective form of treatment for most types of myelodysplasia.
Chemotherapy is a form of treatment for some patients with a high risk of MDS progressing into AML.
Supportive treatments include blood and platelet transfusions and antibiotics.

Current Research

Most St. Jude myelodysplasia patients are enrolled on our front-line AML or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation protocols.
kinda makes you really think about stem cell research doesnt it?

Answer 2

Is this information for yourself or someone you know? I am asking because there is a lot of information on Myelodysplasia Syndrome (MDS) and aplastic anemia which is what I was diagnosed with in June 2004. Actually I have symptoms of both so it is only a guess as to which one it is.

If the info is for yourself while you will need to educate yourself on the disease understand at the same time that what you are going to find are the serious case studies that don't always have the best of outcomes. I can tell you that there are just as many success stories out there and if you contact the aplastic anemia/mds at www.aamds.org there is a lot of news and information on what's going on support wise as opposed to the negative side of the condition.

It is definitely a serious condition and there is no known "cure" for MDS, AA or any of the bone marrow conditions. There isn't even an acceptable form of treatment course in the sense of we'll give you this and that will happen. It is hit and miss. For myself, I have tried 4 different drug therapies without getting better. The flip side is that I haven't gotten worse. Some doctors believe the bone marrow transplant is the best option for patients in serious condition but the risks have to be weigh on a case by case basis. In my case, I have a bone marrow match but the side effects of the chemo and radiation along with the transplant could not offer any guarantees that I would be 100% back to normal or even back to the level I was before the procedure. I have declined and so far it has worked out.

If you haven't already, register with www.aamds.org. There is a lot of free information that they will send along with a monthly newsletter.

Good Luck and I wish you or your love one the best.

Answer 3

No straight up cure that I know of...my sister had it years ago, damn near killed her. She was 21 at the time. She underwent chemo therapy and had a bone marrow transplant. She is 35 now and doing awesome. She went to Dr. Chiles in NYC. He wa sthen one of the best. Anything I can do, let me know.

Answer 4

No, I am not sure I know of any