ON THIS PAGE: You will learn about how doctors describe MDS. This is called subtype and classification. Use the menu to see other pages.

MDS is classified into several different subtypes based on the following features:

• Blood cell counts

• Percentage of blasts in the bone marrow

• Risk that it will turn into AML

It is also classified as either primary MDS or secondary MDS. And, MDS is given a stage called an IPSS-R score. These classifications help doctors plan treatment and predict a patient’s prognosis, which is the chance of recovery. Each is described below in more detail.

WHO system for MDS subtypes

The World Health Organization (WHO) developed a classification system for MDS to standardize the definitions of the different subtypes. The 7 subtypes of MDS in this system include:

• Refractory anemia (RA). The primary sign of RA is anemia. White blood cell counts and platelet counts are healthy. There are less than 5% blasts found in the bone marrow. This subtype of MDS does not often turn into AML.

• Refractory anemia with ringed sideroblasts (RARS). People with this subtype of MDS have anemia, similar to those with RA, except more than 15% of the red blood cells are sideroblasts. A sideroblast is a red blood cell in which the iron in the cell appears to be in a ring around the center of the cell where the genes are found, called the nucleus. The white blood cell and platelet counts are usually healthy. People diagnosed with RARS have a low risk of developing AML.

• Refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia (RCMD). In this subtype, people have less than 5% blasts and less than 15% ringed sideroblasts in the bone marrow. The other bone marrow cells look abnormal when viewed under the microscope. At least 2 of the blood cell counts are low. RCMD may eventually turn into AML.

• Refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia and ringed sideroblasts (RCMD-RS). This subtype is similar to RARS, in which people have anemia and more than 15% sideroblasts. The other bone marrow cells also look abnormal when viewed with a microscope. In addition, at least 2 types of blood cell counts are low. RCMD-RS may eventually turn into AML.

• Refractory anemia with excess blasts (RAEB). People with RAEB can have decreases in all or some of their blood cell counts. There are less than 5% blast cells in the blood and 5% to 20% blasts in the bone marrow. People with more than 20% blasts in the bone marrow are diagnosed with AML. People with RAEB may also have lower white blood cell and platelet counts. About 40% of people diagnosed with RAEB eventually develop AML.

• Myelodysplastic syndrome, unclassified (MDS-U). People diagnosed with this subtype have decreased numbers of white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets, but do not have the specific signs of the other MDS subtypes.

• MDS associated with isolated del(5q). People with this subtype have anemia and fewer than 5% blasts, and genetic material is missing from chromosome 5.

• CMML and JMML. In addition to the 7 MDS subtypes above, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) and juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML) are types of blood cancers that the WHO classifies as “mixed myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative diseases.” Unlike other types of MDS in which blood counts are low, white blood cell counts are higher in these subtypes. Both CMML and JMML begin after a change, or mutation, happens in a type of blood cell called a monocyte. CMML generally occurs in people ages 65 to 75. JMML is most common in children younger than 6. Treatment is similar to MDS and can include chemotherapy and/or stem cell transplantation (see Types of Treatment).

Primary/secondary MDS

In addition to subtype, MDS is called either primary or secondary MDS. Primary MDS is much more common than secondary MDS. About 80% of people with MDS have primary MDS.

• In primary MDS, no apparent risk factors can be found. This may also be called de novo MDS.

• Secondary MDS occurs because of damage to the DNA from chemotherapy or radiation therapy previously given to treat another medical condition. MDS can develop 2 to 10 years after such treatment. Secondary MDS is often associated with more complex chromosomal abnormalities.

IPSS-R system

The revised International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-R) is another classification system used by doctors to help predict a person’s risk of developing AML and overall survival. The IPSS-R looks at factors such as the percentage of blasts found in the bone marrow, type and extent of chromosomal changes, and levels of hemoglobin found in red blood cells, platelets, and a type of white blood cell called neutrophils.

Poor prognostic factors include:

• Certain types and higher numbers of chromosomal changes

• Higher percentage of blasts in the bone marrow

• Low levels of hemoglobin, platelets, and neutrophils

The total IPSS-R score places people with MDS into 5 distinct groups:

• Very low risk

• Low risk

• Intermediate risk

• High risk

• Very high risk

People with MDS who have a lower IPSS-R score have the best outlook for survival and need less aggressive treatment. For patients with lower IPSS-R scores, overall survival rates tend to be lower when they need red blood cell transfusions. A red blood cell transfusion is a procedure in which blood or blood cells from 1 person are given to another person. A person diagnosed with a high-risk subtype of MDS and whose IPSS-R score is high usually needs more intensive treatment.

Recurrent MDS

Recurrent MDS is MDS that has come back after a period of remission, or absence of symptoms, also called “no evidence of disease” or NED. If the MDS does return, there will be another round of tests to learn about the extent of the recurrence. These tests and scans are often similar to those done at the time of the original diagnosis.

Information about the subtype and classification will help the doctor recommend a specific treatment plan. The next section in this guide is Types of Treatment. Use the menu to choose a different section to read in this guide.