Autoimmune disease linked to poor outcomes with myelodysplastic syndrome

30 May 2026, 02:20 · Medical Xpress

by Lori Solomon

Robert Egan

Associate Editor

Meet our editorial team
Behind our editorial process
Editors' notes

This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

fact-checked

peer-reviewed publication

reputable news agency

proofread

The GIST Add as preferred source

Having a preexisting autoimmune disease is an independent risk factor for poor outcomes with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), according to a study published in the June issue of Clinical Immunology.

Ning Wu, from the Peking University Institute of Hematology and National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease in Beijing, and colleagues retrospectively studied 161 patients with MDS undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) from 2013 to 2024, including 39 patients with preexisting autoimmune disease and 122 matched controls, to understand the combined impact on allo-HSCT.

The researchers found that patients with an autoimmune disease had significantly lower platelet engraftment, a higher relapse rate, inferior leukemia-free survival, and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)-free, relapse-free survival (GRFS). There were no significant differences observed in overall survival or acute or chronic GVHD. Active autoimmune disease at transplantation conferred higher relapse and worse GRFS in a subgroup analysis.

"Preexisting autoimmune disease is an independent risk factor for poor outcomes, supporting personalized strategies for this high-risk population," the authors write.

Publication details

Ning Wu et al, The impact of pre-existing autoimmune diseases in myelodysplastic syndrome patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A retrospective cohort study, Clinical Immunology (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2026.110710

Journal information: Clinical Immunology

Key medical concepts

Autoimmune DiseasesMyelodysplastic SyndromesAllogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell TransplantationGraft vs Host Disease

Clinical categories

Oncology Who's behind this story?

Robert Egan

Bachelor's in mathematical biology, Master's in creative writing. Well-traveled with unique perspectives on science and language. Full profile →

Citation: Autoimmune disease linked to poor outcomes with myelodysplastic syndrome (2026, May 29) retrieved 30 May 2026 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-05-autoimmune-disease-linked-poor-outcomes.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.