Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) treatment and side effects
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) stem cell transplant
A stem cell transplant, also referred to as a bone marrow transplant, offers the chance of curing the disease.
Stem cell transplants for MDS are allogeneic – this means they use stem cells from someone else (a donor).
Healthy bone marrow or stem cells are taken from a donor whose tissue DNA is identical or almost identical to yours. This may be a family member (usually a sibling) or an unrelated donor. The donor has a simple blood test to see if they are matched to you – they do not need to have a bone marrow test. The results are usually available in two to three weeks.
About one third of patients who receive this treatment are free of the disease for several years, but the disease may return (relapse).
A stem cell transplant has many side effects, so it’s important that the decision to have one is carefully thought through by your healthcare team and yourself. It is also important to know that the side effects from a stem cell transplant can continue for a number of years after the transplant.
If you are suitable for a transplant, you will be referred to a specialist centre to discuss the benefits and risks of this treatment to you as an individual. Always try to take a family member or friend to the appointments.
There's more detailed information about having a stem cell transplant in our booklet, Blood stem cell and bone marrow transplants: The seven steps.
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