Iron Chelation Therapy in Myelodysplastic Syndromes. (25th May 2010)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Messa, Emanuela; Cilloni, Daniela; Saglio, Giuseppe
• Other Names: Miller Jeffery Lynn Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Advances in hematology. Volume 2009(2009)
• Publication Date: 2010-05-25
• Subjects: Hematology -- Periodicals; Hematologic Diseases; Hematology; Hematology; Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.15
• DOI: 10.1155/2010/756289
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-9104

Abstract

Abstract : Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a heterogeneous disorder of the hematopoietic stem cells, frequently characterized by anemia and transfusion dependency. In low-risk patients, transfusion dependency can be long lasting, leading to iron overload. Iron chelation therapy may be a therapeutic option for these patients, especially since the approval of oral iron chelators, which are easier to use and better accepted by the patients. The usefulness of iron chelation in MDS patients is still under debate, mainly because of the lack of solid prospective clinical trials that should take place in the future. This review aims to summarize what is currently known about the incidence and clinical consequences of iron overload in MDS patients and the state-of the-art of iron chelation therapy in this setting. We also give an overview of clinical guidelines for chelation in MDS published to date and some perspectives for the future.