Increasing the effectiveness of hematopoiesis in MDS: Erythropoiesis stimulating agents and TGF- β superfamily inhibitors

Patients with lower risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are mainly affected by chronic anemia and fatigue. Treatment strategies aim to improve anemia and quality of life as well as iron overload due to red blood cell transfusion support. To promote proliferation and differentiation of erythropoiesis, erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs) such as erythropoietin and mimetics are applied as first-line therapy in a large fraction of lower risk MDS patients. In general, ESAs yield favorable responses in about half of the patients although responses are often short-lived.
Source: Seminars in Hematology - Category: Hematology Authors: Source Type: research