New research sheds light on a concerning connection between smoking and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), a group of bone marrow cancers akin to acute myeloid leukemia. A groundbreaking study,the National MDS Natural History Study,tracked 1898 individuals diagnosed or suspected with MDSoup date.
The study’s findings,presented at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) 2024 Annual Meeting,revealed a startling correlation: heavier and longer-term smokers harbored a higher number of genetic mutations linked to MDS.
“This suggests that smoking plays a role in the multi-step genetic process that ultimately leads to MDS,” explained Dr. mikkael A. Sekeres, led researcher from the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Health System. ” The more you smoke, the greater the likelihood of accumulating mutations and developing MDS. Our study also revealed associations between smoking,disease progression,and survival rates.”
approximately 10,000 Americans are diagnosed with MDS each year, ofen referred to as “preleukemia.” While survival rates vary depending on factors like risk group, they generally range from 1 to 10.6 years.
This study delved deeper into the potential impact of smoking on MDS-related genetic mutations. Researchers analyzed data from 1898 participants enrolled between 2016 and 2023.
The results painted a clear picture: smokers were more likely to be male and aged 70-79 years. After adjusting for confounding factors, smokers exhibited a considerably higher average of MDS-linked mutations compared to their non-smoking counterparts.
Furthermore, a 5-year analysis discovered a heightened risk of disease progression in long-term smokers compared to non-smokers or those with shorter smoking histories. Similarly, smokers diagnosed with CCUS, a precursor condition to MDS, experienced lower overall survival rates.
“These findings underscore the critical need to counsel MDS patients who smoke about the importance of quitting,” emphasized dr. Sekeres. While the link between smoking and lung cancer is widely recognized,the study highlights the less understood connection to MDS.
Dr. Sekeres stressed the long-term nature of MDS progress, often spanning years or even decades, and emphasized the consistent genetic mutations observed in smokers across different cancers.
He emphasized the potential benefits of quitting smoking even after an MDS diagnosis, noting that it could possibly slow disease progression and reduce the risk of evolving into acute myeloid leukemia.
Fellow researcher Dr. Greenberg echoed this sentiment, noting that many clinicians may be unaware of the smoking-MDS connection: “It’s crucial to inform patients about this link, not only because of its impact on MDS, but also because smoking significantly increases cardiovascular disease risk, another factor influencing survival rates in MDS patients.”
How can healthcare providers better support patients with MDS who smoke?
Interview with Dr. Mikkael A. Sekeres: Unraveling the link between Smoking and Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)
time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Sekeres! Thank you for joining us to discuss your groundbreaking research on the correlation between smoking and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). This is vital details for both healthcare professionals and the public.
Dr. Mikkael A. Sekeres: Thank you for having me! I’m glad to share our findings from the National MDS Natural History Study, which are crucial in understanding how smoking impacts MDS.
Editor: To start, can you explain what myelodysplastic syndromes are and why they are often referred to as “preleukemia”?
Dr. Sekeres: Certainly! MDS are a group of disorders caused by poorly formed or dysfunctional blood cells,which originate from the bone marrow. They are referred to as “preleukemia” as many patients with MDS may progress to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) over time. About 10,000 Americans are diagnosed with MDS each year, and understanding key risk factors, such as smoking, is essential for better patient outcomes.
Editor: Your study revealed a startling connection between smoking and genetic mutations linked to MDS. What were the key findings?
Dr. Sekeres: Our study tracked 1,898 individuals with MDS and found that heavier and long-term smokers had a substantially higher average of mutations associated with MDS compared to non-smokers. This suggests that smoking contributes to the multi-step genetic processes leading to MDS, which could dramatically affect a patient’s health trajectory.
Editor: That’s striking. Can you elaborate on the implications of these findings for those diagnosed with MDS?
Dr. Sekeres: The implications are profound. Firstly, we need to counsel MDS patients who smoke about the importance of quitting. Quitting smoking may not only slow disease progression but also reduce the chances of advancing to more severe conditions, including AML. Additionally,the connection between smoking and MDS emphasizes the need for greater awareness among both patients and healthcare providers.
Editor: You mentioned demographic trends among smokers diagnosed with MDS. Can you summarize those findings?
Dr.Sekeres: Yes, our research indicated that smokers with MDS were predominantly male and fell within the age range of 70 to 79 years. It’s essential to recognize these demographics when developing targeted public health strategies aimed at education and smoking cessation efforts.
editor: In discussing smoking cessation, what practical advice would you provide to patients or their families affected by MDS?
Dr. Sekeres: For patients and families, the message is clear: quitting smoking is crucial.Even for those already diagnosed with MDS, cessation can yield benefits, such as potentially slowing disease progression and improving overall health.Engaging with support groups, utilizing cessation programs, and consulting healthcare providers can significantly aid in this process.
Editor: Lastly, Dr. Sekeres, are there any additional areas of research you believe need attention to address the smoking-MDS connection further?
Dr. Sekeres: Absolutely. More studies are needed to uncover the underlying biological mechanisms linking smoking to genetic mutations present in MDS. Additionally,examining the long-term effects of smoking cessation on MDS outcomes will help solidify actionable strategies for patients. increasing clinician awareness of this link is critical, considering that smoking also exacerbates cardiovascular risks, which further affects survival rates.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Sekeres, for shedding light on this vital issue. Your insights will undoubtedly help our readers understand the critical link between smoking and myelodysplastic syndromes.
Dr. Sekeres: Thank you for the prospect to share our work. It’s vital that we continue to raise awareness and support patients in their journey.