Overview

Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA) is a Center of Excellence¹ for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or myeloproliferative disorders (also called myeloproliferative neoplasms, or MPN), a group of chronic bone marrow diseases that affect blood-forming stem cells.

 

The physicians and scientists at SCCA and its parent organizations, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC) and UW Medicine, are world leaders in research to better understand the causes of these diseases and provide effective treatments.

 

SCCA offers a full range of standard therapies, such as the growth factor erythropoietin, which may increase red blood cell counts, and the drugs azacitidine (Vidaza) and decitabine (Dacogen). In addition, we offer treatments that are not yet commercially available but have shown promise in pilot studies and are being tested in clinical trials, such as clofarabine (given by mouth), SB1518 (a tyrosine kinase inhibitor) and others.

 

We also offer bone marrow (stem cell) transplantation (also called hematopoietic cell transplantation) the only treatment option with the potential to cure MDS or MPN. SCCA ranked ranked first in outcomes in a five-year study by the National Marrow Donor Program that measured one-year survival rates of patients among 122 transplant centers in the United States.

 

¹As recognized by the Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation

Newly Diagnosed

The most important questions are “What do I really have?” and “Where is the best place for me to go to confirm my diagnosis and find out how I should be treated?”

Myelodysplastic Syndrome Facts

Learn about the subtypes, risk factors and symptoms of MDS, how these diseases are diagnosed, and how they may change over time.

Treatment Options

Whatever the stage or severity of your illness, our physicians can offer you treatment. We have a range of options for people with MDS.

Our Doctors

Our doctors are members of FHCRC and UW Medicine and are committed to providing the best possible care for patients with MDS or MPN.

Our Expertise

SCCA is one of the leading centers in the world for care of patients with MDS or MPN. Patients come here from across the United States and around the world for consultation and treatment.

What to Expect

Receiving a diagnosis for MDS or MPN leads to many questions. SCCA physicians and staff provide compassionate care and support during your course of treatment so you will always know what to expect.

Participate in a Study

Many people with MDS or MPN who come to SCCA participate in clinical trials. Our ability to offer our patients studies and to follow them closely, reassess their disease and remove them from a study or offer them a different one as their disease changes sets us apart as a unique treatment center with worldwide recognition.

Patient Support & Housing

Because treatment for Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) isn't easy, special support for patients is essential. SCCA has several programs, classes, and services to assist patients and their families.

Resources

The more you know about your disease, the more empowered you'll feel. This list of reputable sources about Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) makes gathering information easy.

Seattle Cancer Care Alliance
825 Eastlake Ave. E, P.O. Box 19023, Seattle, WA 98109-1023
(206) 288-SCCA (7222), contactus@seattlecca.org