MDS and MPNs

MDS--myelodysplastic syndromes--are a group of disorders that cause "bone marrow failure." Basically, the bone marrow stops producing enough usable blood cells. I bring it up here because it is kinda, sorta related to myeloproliferative neoplasms, the family of cancers that includes ET, and ET MIGHT be a risk factor for developing MDS.

Before you freak out, read on ...


First: There is lots of info on MDS over at the MDS Foundation. Go there if for patient-friendly info.

Second: As with ET and other MPNs, MDS is a really complicated and often hard-to-diagnose disease. There are several genetic markers for MDS listed in a 2013 article from the National Institutes of Health. That article also notes that risk factors for MDS:

• Being a male of advanced age (that is being over 65 years old)
• Smoking
• Being exposed to solvents or agricultural chemicals
• Having a family history of hematopoietic cancer

Third: It's that "family history of hematopoietic cancer" that put MDS on my radar.  A "hematopoietic cancer" is a broad term for any cancer of the blood, bone marrow, or lymph system. ET is a type of hematopoietic cancer. And many of us have had parents or grandparents with ET, which constitutes a "family history." In addition, once in a blue moon, someone on social media sites devoted to info about MPNs will turn up with MDS.

Bottom line: MDS is something you might want to be aware of. The NIH article lists some of the genetic markers for MDS. If you have had extensive genetic testing for your ET, you may want to take the NIH article to discuss with your doctor and ask about your risk factors.

Now: Please take a deep breath and repeat after me: Having ET or even a genetic marker for MDS does NOT mean you will develop it.  

Be well!

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