MDS: Staging

Physicians generally use the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) to determine the patient's risk level and choose the most appropriate treatment options.  The IPSS takes into account

  • The percentage of blasts (immature blood cells) in the bone marrow
  • Complete blood count results
  • Certain genetic abnormalities

The IPSS helps physicians determine when to start treatment, and what the patient's risk level is for developing acute leukemia.

The IPSS score can be calculated after the patient has a blood test and bone marrow biopsy.