This article attempts to summarize the current information regarding the clinical application of recombinant human erythropoietin in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). To date, more than 300 MDS patients have been reported to be treated with recombinant human erythropoietin. The response patterns have been variable, but in general they range from 20% to 30%. The hormone has been shown to be safe and nontoxic.