Northside Hospital Cancer Institute’s Hematologic (Heme) Malignancy Program now offers dedicated support for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).
Why it matters: MDS is a complex group of bone marrow disorders that can lead to low blood counts, chronic symptoms and, in some cases, progression to acute leukemia. Treatment and monitoring require a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach.
The expansion includes access to a blood cancer coordinator, who guides patients from diagnosis through treatment with one-on-one support, education and assistance navigating the Northside system.
Patients also benefit from Northside Hospital Cancer Institute’s robust team of specialists and access to novel therapies and clinical trials.
What is MDS?
Myelodysplastic syndromes are a group of blood cancers caused by abnormal development of blood cells in the bone marrow. They often result in low blood counts and dysfunctional cells, leading to fatigue, infections and bleeding complications. Severity and treatment options can vary widely.
What they’re saying: “The journey of a patient with MDS can span multiple specialties and require significant supportive measures to offer the best outcome,” said Dr. Melhem Solh, a physician at The Blood & Marrow Transplant Group of Georgia and the medical director of Northside’s Cellular Therapy Program. “Our program ensures patients get the comprehensive diagnostic testing and collaborative care they need — plus support to navigate the system and transition between the different specialties through every step of their treatment journey.”
“These conditions are more common with age, and for many years, treatment options were limited,” added Dr. Jorge Leguizamo, a Georgia Cancer Specialists hematologist-oncologist and member of the program’s steering committee. “Advances in research have expanded the number of available therapies. At Northside, we offer the latest therapies tailored to each patient’s needs through a truly multidisciplinary team.”
The big picture: Northside launched its Hematologic Malignancy Program in January 2024, initially focusing on multiple myeloma. The program is designed to streamline diagnostic workups and enhance the patient experience for individuals diagnosed with blood cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and now MDS.
One patient is diagnosed with a blood cancer approximately every three minutes in the United States, according to Blood Cancer United (formerly the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society).
An estimated 1.6 million Americans are currently living with or in remission from a hematologic malignancy.
What patients receive:
- Direct access to a blood cancer coordinator
- Education on diagnosis and treatment
- Encouraging compliance with appointments and consults
- Emotional support for patients and caregivers
- Monitoring of diagnostic testing and staging
- Referrals to appropriate specialists and services
- Access to clinical trials
Next steps: Physicians and patients interested in learning more about the Heme Malignancy Program can contact the blood cancer coordinator at BloodCancerCoord@northside.com.
Learn more about blood cancers and the new program at Northside.
