Chemotherapy for Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Chemotherapy (also called chemo) uses drugs to destroy or damage fast-growing cells like cancer cells. It is used to shrink tumors, slow cancer’s growth, relieve symptoms, or help people live longer. Chemotherapy drugs are given in different ways (intravenously, orally by a pill, or by injection). 

These are the latest types of chemotherapies that are available to treat myelodysplastic syndromes. New treatments become available all the time, so this may not be a complete list. 

Please note: The side effects listed here do not represent a comprehensive list. It's important to discuss all potential side effects of a drug with your healthcare team. Be sure to tell your healthcare team about any side effects you do have.

All Available Treatments

Intravenous =
Pill =

Treatment Type

Hypomethylating Drugs

Drug Names
Dacogen® (decitabine) (IV)
Inqovi® (decitabine and cedazuridine) (Pill)
Vidaza® (azacitidine) (Pill,IV)
Important Things to Know
  • These drugs can attack cancer cells and prevent growth of abnormal cells and leukemia. They are approved for MDS with any risk score, but are used more often for high-risk MDS.
  • Inqovi is a newer drug that can be taken in pill form at home. People who take it often need fewer transfusions.
  • Low blood counts are a potential side effect that may put you at risk for anemia, infection, or bleeding.                    

Treatment Type

Immunomodulators (IMIDs)

Drug Name
Revlimid® (lenalidomide) (Pill)
Important Things to Know
  • This drug is used for MDS that is linked to a mutation in the isolated del(5q) gene.
  • Low blood counts are a potential side effect that may put you at risk for anemia, infection, or bleeding.                    

Treatment Type

Standard Chemotherapy Drugs

Drug Names
Cerubidine® (daunorubicin) (IV)
Cytosar-U® (cytarabine) (IV)
Idamycin® (idarubicin) (IV)
Novantrone® (mitoxantrone) (IV)
Important Things to Know
  • These drugs are more likely to be used against high-risk MDS.
  • Low blood counts are a potential side effect that may put you at risk for anemia, infection, or bleeding.
  • Mouth sores are a potential side effect that can be painful and affect your oral intake. Speak to your provider about proactive management and an oral care regimen.