UPMC Cancer Centers Recognized as Center of Excellence in Myelodysplastic Syndrome

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 9 – The Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation has recognized UPMC Cancer Centers as a Center of Excellence in the research, diagnosis and treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome, or MDS. MDS, a precursor to leukemia, is a group of disorders in which the bone marrow does not produce enough blood cells, which can lead to anemia, increased risk of infection and risk of severe bleeding. It is most common in people over the age of 60.

The designation will allow UPMC Cancer Centers to conduct multi-site clinical trials on MDS and to use the foundation’s international patient registry as a central database to identify characteristics of the disease. The MDS program at UPMC Cancer Centers is one of only four with this designation in Pennsylvania.

“This designation will help us learn more about the causes of this disease and will provide new opportunities to examine agents that may offer hope to patients with MDS,” said Anastasios Raptis, MD, stem cell transplant program, UPMC Cancer Centers.

The Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation was established by an international group of physicians and researchers to provide an exchange of information about MDS.

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