Bloom's Syndrome: Treatments

As with all progeroid diseases, there is no cure for Bloom’s syndrome (BS). At present, the best treatment for the disease is an early diagnosis. Doctors can test suspected BS carriers for the gene, and prenatal tests can diagnose infants in utero. Patients and their families are then instructed in the importance of sun avoidance, and recalled periodically for tests to catch cancers quickly as they form. Avoidance of other mutagens and carcinogens is also strongly advised. Immunodeficiencies are medicated on a case-by-case basis, but are generally dealt with in the same manner as with normal (non-BS) patients. Growth hormones may be administered to help deal with the slow growth patterns associated with the disease.

When a BS patient develops cancer, treatment is dealt with in much the same manner as with a normal patient. BS cancers respond to treatment in much the same way as normal cancers, so early diagnosis and regular screening is the most important weapon in extending the lifespan of a BS patient.