Aplastic anemia, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) are all diseases that involve bone marrow failure. In these patients, the bone marrow either cannot make enough blood cells or makes blood cells that are abnormal and can’t do their work. (Roswell Park is an MDS Foundation-designated Center of Excellence.)
Most blood cells develop in the marrow, the soft material at the center of most bones. Bone marrow contains hematopoietic stem cells, which can transform into different kinds of blood cells, depending on what kind your body needs at a particular time.
Each type of blood cell has a special job:
- White blood cells, which are part of your body’s immune system, help fight infection. There are several types of white blood cells.
- Red blood cells carry oxygen to tissues throughout the body.
- Platelets help form blood clots to control bleeding after you’re injured.
Why Roswell Park for bone marrow failure?
- Roswell Park’s Hematology team includes experts who specialize in diagnosing and treating all types of bone marrow failure.
- Through clinical trials, eligible Roswell Park patients have access to promising new treatments that are not widely available. For example, CML patients enrolled in clinical trials at Roswell Park had access to Gleevec® before it was FDA-approved.
- The Hematology team has developed new treatment regimens for patients with aplastic anemia who undergo bone marrow transplant.
Learn more about:
Aplastic anemiaParoxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH)Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS)