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Recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) therapy in myelodysplasia

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Recombinant Human Erythropoietin (rhEPO) in Clinical Oncology

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Abstract

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) constitutes a group of malignant hematopoietic stem cell disorders characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis, and a significant risk of progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). MDS is generally a disease of the elderly, with a median age of 70 years. The incidence is 4–5/100,000/year, similar to that of acute leukemia. MDS is generally idiopathic, but can also result from hematopoietic stem cell injury due to cytotoxic chemotherapy, radiation, or genetic predisposition. In low-risk MDS, the main cause of cytopenia is increased apoptosis of hemopoietic progenitors, while in high-risk MDS marrow apoptosis is accompanied by additional genetic and epigenetic events, leading to expansion of immature cells, and eventually transformation to AML. Signs and symptoms of MDS relate to hematopoietic failure, manifesting in anemia, thrombocytopenia or leukopenia. The anemia is often severe, leading to regular transfusion need and reduced quality of life.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Karolinska Institutet, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Ihn 86, 141 86, Stockholm, Sweden

    Eva Hellström-Lindberg MD, PhD

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  1. Eva Hellström-Lindberg MD, PhD
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Correspondence to Eva Hellström-Lindberg MD, PhD .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Internal Medicine (Cancer Research), West German Cancer Center, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany

    Mohammad Resa Nowrousian

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© 2008 Springer-Verlag/Wien

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Hellström-Lindberg, E. (2008). Recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) therapy in myelodysplasia. In: Nowrousian, M.R. (eds) Recombinant Human Erythropoietin (rhEPO) in Clinical Oncology. Springer, Vienna. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-211-69459-6_20

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-211-69459-6_20

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Vienna

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-211-25223-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-211-69459-6

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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