1  Introduction

Objectives of therapy in MDS

• Improve the patient’s quality of life

• Treat anemia and other cytopenias when indicated

• Avoid first occurrence or recurrence of infection complications

• Avoid occurrence of bleeding complications

• Avoid iron overload

• Manage risk situations (e.g. surgery)

• Extend survival : Minimize the risk of acute leukemia

• Cure if possible, which means allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation when indicated