What are the Differences Between MDS and AML?

Learn about the similarities and differences between myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). 

What are the Differences Between MDS and AML? 

AML and MDS are diseases that affect young bone cells called blasts, which do not mature properly and can cause health-related symptoms. MDS patients have fewer than 20% of these blasts in their blood or bone marrow, and AML patients have more than 20%.

Apart from blast percentage, other factors differentiate MDS and AML. These include: 

• The behavior of MDS and AML cells
  • MDS typically progresses slowly over time, while AML usually progresses quickly. High-risk MDS may behave similarly to AML. Cell behavior differences are usually the result of gene deletions and mutations in cancer cells. About 30% of MDS cases progress into AML. Click here to learn more about these genetic differences at HealthTree University. 
• AML vs. MDS symptoms 
  • MDS symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, weakness, frequent infections, easy bruising, and bleeding. However, some individuals with MDS may not show symptoms and are only diagnosed through routine blood tests. 
  • AML symptoms can include those experienced by MDS patients, along with bone pain and unexplained weight loss.
• Treatment differences between MDS and AML
  • MDS treatment depends highly on the risk status. Treatment may include supportive care measures, such as blood transfusions or medications to stimulate blood cell production. In some cases, bone marrow transplantation is considered. Most recent studies are focused on treating high-risk and very high-risk MDS with chemotherapy to extend life expectancy. 
  • AML treatment typically involves chemotherapy to destroy the cancer cells. Bone marrow transplantation may be recommended for certain individuals, particularly those at higher risk or with relapsed disease who are healthy enough to undergo transplant.

Learn More About MDS at HealthTree University 

Are you interested in understanding more about myelodysplastic syndromes? Click the button below to watch free HealthTree University videos about MDS taught by experts. 

Watch MDS Videos Taught by Experts! 

Sources:

• The Genetic Landscape of Myelodysplastic Neoplasm Progression to Acute Myeloid Leukemia
• Distinguishing AML from MDS: a fixed blast percentage may no longer be optimal
• Clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and classification of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)
• Acute myeloid leukemia in adults: Overview