Overview
- Researchers presented the findings at the ASH meeting and published them in Blood, marking the first nationwide prospective analysis to tie Agent Orange to MDS severity.
- The team examined participants in the federally funded MDS Natural History Study, including 2,115 patients overall and 130 who self-reported exposure.
- Exposed patients were diagnosed at younger ages and showed a higher burden of harmful mutations with genetic patterns associated with toxin-related MDS.
- Those with reported exposure were nearly twice as likely to see disease progression within two years, while overall survival was similar between groups.
- The results point to potential gains in veteran screening and benefits decisions, with planned validation using national veteran databases and a noted disproportionate exposure reported by Black veterans.