Epidemiology of myelodysplastic syndromes: Why characterizing the beast is a prerequisite to taming it

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) consist of a heterogeneous group of myeloid neoplasms characterized by inefficient hematopoiesis, variable cytopenias and a considerable risk of progression to acute myeloid leukemia. Epidemiological assessment of MDS has been hampered by evolving diagnostic criteria and delayed classification of MDS as cancers until 2001. The poorly-understood nature of these neoplasms combined with the lack of effective therapies for decades contributed to suboptimal case ascertainment and underreporting.
Source: Blood Reviews - Category: Hematology Authors: Tags: Review Source Type: research