- Considered a type of blood cancer, myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a group of diseases in which the bone marrow does not produce enough healthy blood cells.
- Anemia occurs in 8 out of 10 people diagnosed with MDS; Of them, up to 90% will require one or more blood transfusions during the course of their disease.
- Older adults with an average age between 65 and 70 years, smokers, those who received previous chemotherapies or have had prolonged exposure to benzene in the workplace, are at greater risk of developing it.
- Within the framework of World Myelodysplastic Syndromes Day (October 25), Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) calls on the Mexican population to undergo blood tests to diagnose and treat this health condition in time.
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Mexico City on November 5, 2024.- Tiredness, weakness, shortness of breath or dizziness are symptoms of anemia8 that are often mistakenly attributed to older adults as “ailments” of age, without knowing that this can be a warning sign of a serious illness.
He Dr. Michael Sierra MirandaAssociate Medical Director of Oncology and Hematology at Bristol Myers Squibb Mexico (BMS) Mexico, explained that in most cases the presence of said condition in adultswhich can also include headaches, pale skin, and cold hands and feet8, may be due to so-called myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)a group of bone marrow disorders1 that occur when blood stem cells become abnormal as a result of genetic changes (mutations)4.
When the bone marrow does not function properly, it cannot produce healthy blood cells, so in addition to anemia or decreased number of red blood cells, patients may present frequent or severe infections due to a shortage of white blood cells, as well as bruising or bleeding due to low platelet count4.
Considered as a type of blood cancer1, MDS manifests mainly in people with an average age between 65 and 70 years5, being more common in men, in those who have received previous chemotherapy, have a hereditary syndrome, smoke or have had prolonged exposure to high doses of radiation or benzene6. “Because it does not usually cause symptoms at first, it often goes unnoticed. In fact, it is often attributed to age or confused with comorbidities (one or more diseases in the same person), making diagnosis and therapeutic management difficult.5”commented the specialist.
Therefore, within the framework of the World Myelodysplastic Syndromes Daywhich was commemorated on October 25,7 Sierra Miranda highlighted the importance of Mexicans performing a routine blood test and, if signs of anemia or low levels of other blood cells are observed, it is important to go to the doctor. hematologista specialist in blood diseases1, to help them with timely detection and treatment.
Since the anemia It is the main sign observed in 85% of cases3, stating that up to 90% of them will need one or more blood transfusions during the evolution of their disease4. “Although it represents a quick and effective measure, it constitutes a limited resource and is not exempt from important complications. Performing them frequently or after 20 or 30 units (bags) of red blood cells causes iron overload, causing this metal to accumulate and damage the heart and other vital organs.1. Unfortunately, most patients die from this and other associated complications5”.
Likewise, he explained that there are different types of SMD classified into very low, low, intermediate, high and very high risk. Those at higher risk are more likely to evolve into a acute myeloid leukemia (AML)2 which can develop in 1 in 3 patients for whom bone marrow transplant is the only curative procedure7. However, this is not eligible for everyone, so the great challenge in research is to predict who will have an aggressive course of the disease and look for new therapeutic options for them7.
He explained that, for example, there is a subtype of myelodysplastic syndrome in which the bone marrow produces ring sideroblasts; that is, abnormal cells instead of healthy red blood cells1. It is called that because they contain rings of iron deposits around their core. They are usually the least severe form of the disease14 and are identified through Perls staining, a cytochemical technique that uses Prussian blue dye to determine iron at the cellular level.
“With fewer mature blood cells in their bodies, patients develop anemia which, when severe, will require red blood cell transfusions to help them feel better. However, transfusion dependence often involves long and frequent hospital visits that pose risks to your health and finances. Therefore, in people with low-risk MDS, who are more likely to progress slowly, the goal of treatment is to normalize blood cell counts, decrease the need for blood transfusions, and improve their quality of life4”, added the director of BMS Mexico.
In this sense, he commented that the choice of treatment is based on the risk of mortality, age, comorbidities, progression towards AML and patient preference. In addition to transfusions, this may consist of immunomodulatory medications that modify the immune system or so-called growth factors, which stimulate the production of blood cells; bone marrow transplant; or participation in clinical trials11. Recently in Mexico the first red blood cell maturation agent was approved.
It is estimated that, worldwide, MDS has an incidence of 4.9 per 100,000 person-years16. In Latin America, an almost absolute absence of epidemiological data has been observed and Mexico is no exception; The country does not have statistical information due to the lack of studies in this regard.
Since there is a great lack of knowledge about this type of blood conditions, the Dr. Michael Sierra Mirandaemphasized the need to generate information campaigns that not only promote timely consultation with the hematologistbut also make visible the physical, social and emotional aspects that patients, their families and caregivers face on a daily basis. Therefore, to learn more about the relationship between MDS and anemia, BMS developed the site: www.laanemiaeslaclave.mx
Finally, he maintained that the commemoration of world days is a relevant date to continue promoting the importance of older adults with myelodysplastic syndrome live without limitations. This implies “provide them with access to diagnostic tests and treatments that have a positive impact on their health and well-being”.
HE-MX-2300043
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1 Kestler González Krysta, Spanish Society of Hematology and Hemotherapy (2018), Myelodysplastic Syndromes, Guide for patients and families, October 9, 2023, Association of Lymphoma, Myeloma, Leukemia Patients
7 Josep Carreras Foundation (2020), World Myelodysplastic Syndromes Day, October 9, 2023, from the Josep Carreras Foundation. Website:
9 MedlinePlus (2021), Myelodysplastic Syndromes, October 9, 2023, from the National Library of Medicine of the National Cancer Institute of the United States. Website:
11 Z. Madrazo-González, A. García-Barras et al. (2011), Update on anemia and transfusion therapy, October 9, 2023, Intensive Medicine, Vol. 35. No. 1. pages 32-40, DOI: 10.1016/j.medin.2010.03.013. Website:
16 Mario Andrés Hernández-Somerson, Gustavo Huertas-Rodríguez et al, College of Internal Medicine of Mexico (CMIM) (2022), Myelodysplastic syndromes: an update for the non-hematologist doctor, October 9, 2023, from Med Int Méx 2022; 38 (2): 366-377. Website:
