Myelodysplastic syndrome

Abstract

Myelodysplastic syndrome is a hematopoietic stem cell disorder characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis and leukemic progression. Accumulation of various kinds of genetic alterations in oncogene and tumor suppressor gene develops and accelerates the disease. Recently, alpha-catenin gene has been identified as a candidate gene in the 5q- anomaly. Diagnostic criteria have been updated by Valent et al. WHO classification has become popular and WHO classification-based prognostic scoring system will be employed to evaluate prognosis. In our country, clinical studies on vitamin K2+D3 and cyclosporine A were conducted in low-risk patients, and their efficacy and safety have been reported. In US, molecular-targeting therapy with lenalidomide or demethylase is approved by FDA.