Hi @doriskay79 There are different types of MDS, based on how many types of blood cells are affected and other factors.

Depending on the type of MDS, the disease can progress to a fast-growing cancer of bone marrow cells called acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In the past, MDS was sometimes referred to as pre-leukemia or smoldering leukemia. Now MDS is considered a form of cancer.

Here’s a link to the Mayo informational site with more information. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/myelodysplastic-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20366977

We learned that MDS can be related to AML; but not necessarily. My husband has had MDS 5q deletion Dx’d seven years ago, the 5q chromosome is damaged, missing part of the structure.

His Flow Cytometry analysis sometimes reveals leukemia markers, but over a few years time the markers are inconsistent - sometimes the markers are seen, sometimes not; that’s so far with four Flow Cytometry tests. When MDS transforms or transmutes to AML, we’re told there’s no cure and very little meaningful treatment.

@doriskay79
About 30% of MDS patients develop AML regardless of the type of MDS they have. In my case myeloblasts are elevated but not dangerously high yet. Right now, I am considered low risk for developing AML. When my disease changes, I have another BMB because they are keeping an eye on the blasts.