Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) is a group of bone marrow disorders, where immature blood cells (stem cells) in the bone marrow do not mature the right way. It is a disease that is primarily affecting the elderly (older than 65), but younger people may also get the disease. The cause of the disease is often unknown. Anemia (low blood cell counts) is a hallmark feature of myelodysplastic syndrome and is responsible for some of the symptoms that patients experience, such as infections, spontaneous bleeding or easy bruising, fatigue, shortness of breath and pale skin. 

The current treatment for lower-risk myelodysplastic syndrome is:

* Supportive treatment to enhance production of red blood cells (erythropoiesis stimulating agents – ESAs) 

* Blood transfusion (red blood cells transfusion and/or platelet transfusions)

* Treatment of infection 

If you are interested and qualify to participate in a research study, you will receive 1 out of the 2 types of medications, i.e., luspatercept or epoetin alfa. Luspatercept is the investigational medication to help anemia, while epoetin alfa is the current standard treatment. 

Please note that by participating in a research study, regardless of which two treatments you receive, you may contribute to the clinical research and further understanding of the treatments for MDS. However, you have the right to withdraw from the research study at any time and the study team will follow you up as appropriate. 

Who can participate?

You may participate in this research study if you meet all the following criteria:

* Male or female 

* Age 18 or above

* Have anemia due to bone marrow failure disorder (Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS))

* Receive red blood cell transfusions

For more information or to complete the initial survey click here:

https://www.health-panel.com/research-projects/research-study-for-adults-anemia-mds-myelodysplastic-syndrome/