What Are the Classifications of Myelodysplastic Syndromes?

This content has been reviewed and approved by

Hagop M. Kantarjian, MD
Chairman & Professor, Leukemia Department
MD Anderson Cancer Center
University of Texas

Myelodysplastic syndromes are generally classified into “lower risk MDS” and “higher risk MDS.” Your physician can tell you which classification you fall under based on the characteristics of your disease. The three primary characteristics are percent of marrow blasts (immature cells), chromosome abnormalities, and blood counts (platelets, red cells, and white cells). 

In general, if you have blasts that are less than 10 percent of total blood cells, you fall in the lower risk category. Blasts equal to or above 10 percent, many abnormal chromosomes, and low platelet and red and white blood cell counts put you in the higher risk category. 

The most commonly used classification system is called the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS). The table below shows how your risk category correlates to the IPSS score. A score of 0 to 1 is in the lower risk category, whereas a score above 1 places you in the higher risk category. 

These categories help determine the type of treatment you will receive.