[Myelodysplastic syndromes].
The myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a heterogeneous group of haematological disorders with an indolent course, but invariable leukaemic transformation. Despite this, data on MDS are seldom collected by cancer registries and unbiased results from population-based studies remain rare. For decades, MDS has been a most challenging disease for biologists as well as for physicians and haematologists in terms of both diagnosis and treatment. The therapeutic dilemma that confronts the management of patients with MDS is illustrated by the absence both in Italy and in USA of an approved-agent with a specific indication for this disease. However, because of improving in prognostic instruments and because of continuing research into new treatment strategies, patients with MDS now have more articulate options than even before, with a consequent better chance of long-term survival.