Improving clinical outcome in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome and iron overload using iron chelation therapy

Until recently, little information on the benefits of iron chelation therapy (ICT) in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and iron overload was known. A recent retrospective study showed improved survival in transfusion-dependent patients with MDS (Low or Intermediate-1 risk IPSS) receiving ICT, compared with those not receiving ICT; median overall survival was not reached at 160 months versus 40 months, respectively. Significantly more patients receiving ICT survived to 4 years (80% versus 44%; p < 0.03), suggesting that MDS patients with iron overload might benefit from ICT. Prospective studies to confirm the benefit of ICT in MDS are warranted.