A recent research published in Lancet oncology compares the treatment with rigosertib, a benzyl styryl sulfone with the standard supportive care in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome who are refractory to treatment with hypomethylating agent. The article tried to find out what helps such patient, a rigosertib regime or supportive care like treating the symptom, blood transfusion related complications etc. In a patient with a myelodysplastic syndrome, the blood stem cells (immature cells) do not become mature red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets in the bone marrow.
These immature blood cells, called blasts, do not work the way they should and either die in the bone marrow or soon after they go into the blood. This leaves less room for healthy white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets to form in the bone marrow. When there are fewer healthy blood cells, infection,…
