Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a disease in which the bone marrow does not make enough healthy blood cells.  About 80 percent of people who have MDS are 65 years of age or older.  Currently, blood and marrow transplant (BMT) is the only known treatment that can cure MDS. Yet, Medicare does not always cover BMT for the treatment of MDS.

The American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (ASBMT) has submitted a request asking Medicare to consistently cover BMT therapy for older Americans with MDS. 

The ASBMT based their request in part upon the results of research led by physicians from the University of Minnesota BMT Program. Dr. Brian McClune and Dr. Daniel Weisdorf examined transplant data from 551 MDS patients of all ages. Their analysis revealed that there is no significant decrease in overall survival for older BMT patients. 

For more information, please see the complete article in the latest ASBMT newsletter: http://www.asbmt.org/News/CMS+MDS