Therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome

Abstract

Introduction: Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a heterogeneous clonal disorder characterized by deregulation of apoptosis, dysplastic features in hematopoietic precursors, peripheral blood cytopenias and an increased risk for transformation to acute leukemia. Roughly 20% of MDS are therapy related (t-MDS), and this is considered an independent adverse prognostic factor.

Areas covered: This review based on a comprehensive literature search provides an overview on the main features of t-MDS, including its epidemiology, risk factors, molecular pathogenesis, prognostic classifications and therapy.

Expert opinion: Increasing evidence points out that the most important event in t-MDS is genetic alterations in hematopoietic stem precursor cells, however, ineffective hematopoiesis may also result from abnormalities in the bone marrow microenvironment. Thus, novel views onto the processes of t-MDS are needed such as the osteohematology concept. On the other hand, the number of people living with and beyond cancer is increasing worldwide; thus, most emphasis should be placed on preventing secondary malignancies such as t-MDS. From this review, it becomes clear that we are in urgent need not only to deepen our understanding of the leukemogenesis mechanisms induced by exposure to chemotherapy and radiation but also to translate this knowledge into clinical strategies aimed at risk reduction.

Keywords:

• allogeneic HSCT
• autologous HSCT
• azacytidine
• therapy-related myelodysplastic syndrome
• therapy-related myeloid neoplasms

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Notes

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