Iron overload should be monitored in transfused patients with MDS.

This article focuses on a recommendation from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, which stressed the need for regular monitoring of iron load in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes who are receiving red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. Findings from several studies suggested that iron overload caused by RBC transfusions was adverse prognostic factor for survival and leukemia-free survival. Another recommendation is for physicians to consider iron chelation therapy to maintain healthy serum ferritin levels.