A Pediatric Case of Treatment-related Myelodysplastic Syndrome While on Therapy for Pre-B Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Background: Treatment-related myelodysplastic syndrome (t-MDS) is a rare late effect of cancer therapy. After alkylating agents, this typically occurs years after completion of therapy. Treatment of t-MDS in pediatrics is an allogeneic stem cell transplant, however, the prognosis remains poor. Observations: This case demonstrates t-MDS developing in a patient receiving treatment for pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This patient was treated with a combination of hematopoietic stem cell transplant and hypomethylating agents. Conclusions: These agents should be considered for use in patients with t-MDS, before transplant to limit additional chemotherapy and as maintenance therapy post-transplant to reduce the risk of relapse.