The myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) comprise a heterogeneous group of malignant stem cell disorders characterized by dysplastic and ineffective blood cell production (i.e., apoptotic death) and a variable risk of transformation to acute leukemia. Patients with MDS often require blood products, yet the patterns of blood product use in persons with these conditions are unknown. In recent years, new treatments for MDS (e.g., thalidomide, lenalidomide) have become available that reduce the need for transfusions. On the other hand, management of MDS has become more aggressive over time, most notably through the use of growth factors (erythropoietin, G-CSF) and bone marrow transplant for advanced stage disease. In many cases, the impact of specific treatments including aggressive supportive care on patient survival remains unknown. Furthermore, the literature contains few large population-based observational studies of MDS patients. Our primary goals for this proposal are first to determine the feasibility of linking Western Washington SEER records with Puget Sound Blood Center records, and second, if successful, to determine patterns of blood product use following diagnosis for persons ages 21 and older diagnosed with MDS.
