The first episode of this program, brings a conversation between Prof. Guillermo Sanz from Valencia and Prof. Moshe Mittelman from Tel Aviv, on several issues relevant for patients, families and other stakeholders interested in myelodysplastic syndromes.
First, they discuss the introduction of genetic tests into clinical practice of MDS. These tests found, for example, that at least a third of MDS patients with the TP53 mutation, do not (!) suffer from poor prognosis as previously thought. The new classification that will include genetic testing and will allow more accurate diagnosis leading to more appropriate treatment.
They then answer frequently asked questions: 1) MDS might be considered as cancer, but more important is the progress towards chronicity of the disease allowing many patients prolonged life expectancy with good quality of life. 2) In a reply to another common question: MDS is basically not an inherited disease ! In >90-95%, the disease is acquired.