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Iron chelation therapy in the myelodysplastic syndromes and aplastic anemia: a review of experience in South Korea

  • Progress in Hematology
  • Transfusional iron overload and iron chelation therapy
  • Published:
International Journal of Hematology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Emerging clinical data indicate that transfusion-dependent patients with bone marrow-failure syndromes (BMFS) are at risk of the consequences of iron overload, including progressive damage to hepatic, endocrine, and cardiac organs. Despite the availability of deferoxamine (DFO) in Korea since 1998, data from patients with myelodysplastic syndromes, aplastic anemia, and other BMFS show significant iron overload and damage to the heart and liver. The recent introduction of deferasirox, a once-daily, oral iron chelator, may improve the availability of iron chelation therapy to iron-overloaded patients, and improve compliance in patients who may otherwise find adherence to the DFO regimen difficult.

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  1. Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea

    Jong Wook Lee

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Correspondence to Jong Wook Lee.

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Lee, J.W. Iron chelation therapy in the myelodysplastic syndromes and aplastic anemia: a review of experience in South Korea. Int J Hematol 88, 16–23 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12185-008-0117-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12185-008-0117-0

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