Story perspectives

Study Links Agent Orange to Myelodysplastic Syndromes Risk

3/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

A Blood Advances study led by Dr. Mikkael A. Sekeres shows genetic changes linking Agent Orange exposure to myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).
Among 2,115 patients, 6.1% reported Agent Orange exposure, and 54% were diagnosed with MDS.
The research found specific mutations more common in exposed patients, indicating a higher risk of disease progression.
Sekeres urges the Institute of Medicine to recognize this link to improve healthcare access for affected veterans.

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Story summary

A Blood Advances study led by Dr. Mikkael A. Sekeres shows genetic changes linking Agent Orange exposure to myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).
Among 2,115 patients, 6.1% reported Agent Orange exposure, and 54% were diagnosed with MDS.
The research found specific mutations more common in exposed patients, indicating a higher risk of disease progression.
Sekeres urges the Institute of Medicine to recognize this link to improve healthcare access for affected veterans.