How Do Erythroid Maturation Agents Treat Myelodysplastic Syndromes?

Myelodysplastic syndromes, or MDS, may cause low or abnormal blood cell counts. In MDS, immature stem cells may not mature into healthy, normal blood cells. 

As a result, your blood may not be able to carry out its usual functions to the best of its ability. Your body may not be able to carry oxygen throughout the body as needed, which is referred to as anemia.

One newer option to treat MDS and anemia is called an erythroid maturation agent, or EMA.

How do erythroid maturation agents work?

EMAs are a class of medications that help immature stem cells develop into mature red blood cells. This way, the blood cells can “carry out the normal activities that a standard red blood cell would do,” says Jonathan Feld, MD, Hematology Specialist at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

Increasing the amount of healthy red blood cells helps reduce anemia symptoms and prevent anemia complications.

Who is eligible for erythroid maturation agents?

Not everyone with MDS is a good candidate for EMAs. There are certain subtypes of MDS that may qualify someone for this medication. Some subtypes that may be eligible for EMAs include:

• MDS with ring sideroblasts

• Myelodysplastic/ myeloproliferative neoplasms with ring sideroblasts and thrombocytosis

Other criteria for EMAs include:

• You’re not pregnant or trying to conceive

• You are not eligible for first-line medications or haven’t had success with them

• You need frequent blood transfusions

There are many factors that go into finding the ideal treatment plan for your MDS. “It's important to talk to your hematologist to see if your type of MDS qualifies for EMA treatment,” says Dr. Feld.