What are Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Myeloproliferative Disorders? They are disorders in which the bone marrow produces ineffective and abnormal cells of one or more types - white blood cells, red blood cells or platelets.
Normally, the bone marrow produces stem cells (immature cells) that develop into mature blood cells. In myelodysplastic syndromes, the stem cells do not mature into healthy red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets. The immature blood cells, called blasts, do not function normally and either die in the bone marrow or soon after they enter the blood. This leaves less room for healthy white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets to develop in the bone marrow.
What does University of Minnesota Physicians Cancer Care offer? Our blood cancer experts specialize in treating myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative disorders. Our team includes:
- MDS clinical trials
- hematology/oncology experts
- blood and marrow transplant experts
- pharmacists with expertise in chemotherapy and drug interactions
- radiation therapists
- physical and occupational therapists
- social workers