2003

S26.E1 ∙ New Ways to Manage MDS

Wed, Mar 27, 2013

Myelodysplastic Syndromes-MDS-is the name given to a group of little-known conditions where the bone marrow does not produce enough normal blood cells for the body to function properly. This can result in the crushing fatigue that is characteristic of anemia and increased infections and bleeding because of low white cells and fewer platelets. The only way to cure MDS is with a stem cell transplant-but since the disease is frequently diagnosed in elderly people-a stem cell transplant isn't generally regarded as safe for that patient population. Over the last several years researchers have come forward with new, less intense treatments for this condition. In this program, we travel to Boston & Martha's Vineyard, Mass, Dusseldorf Germany and Florence Italy to hear about the latest treatments that can help many patients with MDS-even those who are in their 80s or 90s.

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S26.E2 ∙ The Lifesaving Work of Blood Platelets

Wed, Apr 03, 2013

Immune thrombocytopenia, or ITP, is an autoimmune blood disorder that results in a lower than normal level of blood platelets in the body. In people with ITP, antibodies malfunction and begin to attack blood platelets as if they were foreign invaders and less platelets are made to make up for those that are lost. Since blood platelets help stop bleeding by triggering the clotting process in the presence of a wound, a lower number of platelets increases the risk of bleeding. But as we'll see in this program, for many patients with ITP, medical science has made impressive strides in helping them maintain proper levels of platelets, reducing the risks that can come with serious bleeding.

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S26.E3 ∙ Understanding Hemophilia and Hemophilia B

Wed, Apr 10, 2013

Hemophilia refers to a group of bleeding disorders in which it takes a long time for the blood to clot. When you bleed, the body launches a series of reactions that help the blood clot. This process involves special proteins called coagulation factors. When one or more of these clotting factors are missing, there is usually a higher chance of bleeding. Hemophilia and hemophilia B is caused by a lack of specific clotting factors. In most cases, hemophilia is passed down through families. And it most often affects males. If hemophilia is severe it can be life-threatening. But there are ways to effectively manage this condition. In this program we'll head to a hemophilia treatment center to see what scientists have learned over the years about the disease and ways for patients and their families to bring it under control. As you'll see people with hemophilia and hemophilia b can live normal lives.

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S26.E4 ∙ Understanding the Mysteries of GIST: A Rare Cancer

Wed, Apr 17, 2013

A Gastrointestinal Stomal Tumor, or GIST, is a fairly rare tumor of the digestive tract. Though there are other kinds of tumors that can originate in this part of the body, GISTs are different because they're created in different kinds of cells than other GI tumors. Though GIST can become life-threatening - as you'll see in this program - medical science has discovered new ways to alter the progression of this disease. Also in this program, we'll meet patients who are living with GIST including one man who had a fairly large GIST tumor, yet is approaching life actively and very optimistically.

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S26.E5 ∙ Neutropenia: The Importance of Healthy White Blood Cells

Wed, Apr 24, 2013

Neutropenia is a term used to describe a lower-than-normal level of white blood cells also called neutrophils. White blood cells/neutrophils help the body's immune system fight off infection. When neutrophil levels are low, infections can spread uncontested, often resulting in harm to the body. In this program we'll see that a reduction in neutrophils is caused when cell production cannot keep up with the number of cells that die - either by natural occurrence, or by outside influences such as chemotherapy treatment. We'll also meet patients who have been living with neutropenia and their families and see how they're coping with this condition.

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