Allogeneic stem cell transplantation for myelodysplastic syndromes: critical for cure?
Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) is the treatment of choice for young patients (age ≤ 55 years) with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) characterized by poor-risk or intermediate-risk cytogenetics, who have a histocompatible related or unrelated donor. For patients who lack an human leukocyte antigen-compatible donor, autologous SCT, or chemotherapy may be good alternatives for those with MDS and with good-risk cytogenetic characteristics. Iron toxicity is an underestimated cause of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) treatment-related mortality. The pathogenesis, diagnosis, and monitoring of iron-induced organ damage are currently topics of investigation. Prospective studies on the prevention or treatment of iron toxicity before HSCT and/or after HSCT are necessary.
Department of Tumor Immunology, Nijmegen Centre for Life Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. deWitte@ncmls.ru.nl
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de Witte
D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron / Q000506:poisoning; D008875:Middle Aged; D009190:Myelodysplastic Syndromes / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous
D007501:Iron