Classifying Patients with Low-risk MDS

In clinical practice, patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are typically classified as low- or high-risk based on prognostic scoring systems such as IPSS-R or IPSS-M, which incorporate cytopenias, blast percentage, and molecular abnormalities. For patients with low-risk MDS, the primary goals of treatment focus on minimizing transfusion dependence, improving hematologic parameters, and delaying progression to higher-risk disease or acute myeloid leukemia. Enhancing quality of life is equally important, and oncologists can support this by proactively managing symptoms such as fatigue and anemia, optimizing transfusion schedules, and addressing iron overload when needed. Incorporating patient-centered strategies—such as shared decision-making, monitoring functional status, and offering supportive care interventions—can further help maintain independence and daily functioning, ultimately improving overall well-being for individuals living with low-risk MDS.