Researcher links Agent Orange exposure to MDS blood cancer

Decades after the Vietnam War, hematologist-oncologist Mikkael Sekeres began noticing a concerning trend in his clinic – veterans with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) who had been exposed to Agent Orange during their service. Agent Orange, a potent herbicide used by the military during the war, had long been associated with various serious diseases, including cancers. However, the connection to MDS had not been officially recognized until now. In a recent study published in Blood Advances, Sekeres and his team provided compelling evidence linking Agent Orange exposure to MDS, showing that it can lead to earlier onset and more aggressive forms of the disease.

Sekeres, who serves as the chief of hematology at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami, described this research as his “passion project,” driven by his desire to help the veterans he had been treating over the years. Many of these individuals were exposed to Agent Orange in the 1960s and 1970s, only to develop MDS decades later.

One of the key components of Agent Orange, dioxin, is a highly toxic compound that has been linked to severe health effects, including cancer. The herbicide was often sprayed over the jungles of Vietnam and neighboring countries by American soldiers, exposing both military personnel and civilians to its harmful effects. While the Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes several cancers as linked to Agent Orange exposure, MDS had not been included in this list until now.

Through the MDS Natural History Study, Sekeres and his team were able to gather data from 160 sites across the country to investigate the link between Agent Orange exposure and MDS. They found that individuals with a history of Agent Orange exposure were more likely to develop MDS and had a higher burden of genetic mutations associated with the disease. Furthermore, Black veterans were disproportionately affected, with three times the likelihood of exposure compared to white veterans.

The results of the study have significant implications for veterans exposed to Agent Orange, as it could pave the way for them to receive disability compensation and benefits from the VA. By establishing a clear connection between Agent Orange exposure and MDS, Sekeres hopes to help these veterans access the care and support they need to manage this challenging disease.

Overall, the study underscores the importance of recognizing the long-term health effects of exposure to toxic substances like Agent Orange. By shedding light on this issue, Sekeres and his team are not only advancing medical knowledge but also advocating for the well-being of those who served their country and are now facing the consequences of their exposure.