Skip Navigation

Treatment of Myelodysplastic Syndromes

For information about the treatments listed below, see the Treatment Option Overview section.

The treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes may include the following:

  • Supportive care with one or more of the following:
    • Transfusion therapy.
    • Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents.
    • Antibiotic therapy.
  • Treatments to slow progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML):
    • Lenalidomide.
    • Immunosuppressive therapy.
    • Azacitidine and decitabine.
    • Chemotherapy used in acute myeloid leukemia.
  • Chemotherapy with stem cell transplant.

Patients who were treated in the past with chemotherapy or radiation therapy may develop myeloid neoplasms related to that therapy. Treatment options are the same as for other myelodysplastic syndromes.

Use our clinical trial search to find NCI-supported cancer clinical trials that are accepting patients. You can search for trials based on the type of cancer, the age of the patient, and where the trials are being done. General information about clinical trials is also available.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Navigating Care disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. This information was sourced and adapted from Adapted from the National Cancer Institute's Physician Data Query (PDQ®) Cancer Information Summaries on www.cancer.gov.

See Expert Resources

The Navigating Care Library includes articles about cancer, chemotherapy regimens and drugs from the the National Cancer Institute and other experts.