Treatment Options for Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Recombinant Human Erythropoietin for Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) may not be producing enough red blood cells and may need to receive red blood cell transfusions to control anemia. It is estimated that 10% to 20% of all MDS patients who must receive red blood cell transfusions respond to high doses of a protein called recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo) that helps red blood cells develop. It is more effective in patients who have low serum erythropoietin levels. It is also a very costly treatment. Some studies have shown an improved (synergistic) response when human recombinant erythropoietin was combined with a growth factor called granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF).