Incidence, characterization and prognostic significance of chromosomal abnormalities in 640 patients with primary myelodysplastic syndromes. Grupo Cooperativo Español de Citogenética Hematológica

Transfusion independence after lenalidomide discontinuation in patients with del(5q) myelodysplastic neoplasm: a HARMONY Alliance study

Lenalidomide (LEN) can induce red blood cell-transfusion independence (RBC-TI) in 60-70% of del(5q) myelodysplastic neoplasm (MDS) patients. Current recommendation is to continue LEN in responding patients until failure or progression, with likelihood of toxicity and a high cost for healthcare systems. This HARMONY Alliance study investigated the outcome of MDS del(5q) patients who discontinued LEN while RBC-transfusion independent. We enrolled 118 patients with IPSS-R low-intermediate risk. Seventy patients (59%) discontinued LEN for intolerance, 38 (32%) per their physician decision, nine (8%) per their own decision and one (1%) for unknown reasons. After a median follow-up of 49 months from discontinuation, 50/118 patients lost RBC-TI and 22/30 who underwent cytogenetic re-evaluation lost complete cytogenetic response. The median RBC-TI duration was 56 months. In multivariate analysis, RBC-TI duration after LEN discontinuation correlated with low transfusion burden before LEN therapy, treatment ≥ 12 LEN cycles, younger age and higher Hb level at LEN withdrawal. Forty-eight patients were re-treated with LEN for loss of response and 28 achieved again RBC-TI. These data show that stopping LEN therapy in MDS del(5q) patients who reached RBC-TI allows prolonged maintenance of TI in a large subset of patients.

Treatment characteristics and outcomes in lower-risk, non-del(5q) myelodysplastic syndromes: findings from a medical record review in the USA, Canada and Europe

Aim: To assess treatment patterns and outcomes in patients with non-del(5q) lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes.Methods: Patient medical records were reviewed in the USA, Canada (CAN), UK and the EU.Results: Analysis included 119 patients in the USA/CAN (median age, 61.5 years) and 245 patients in the UK/EU (median age, 67.3 years). Most patients received erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) as first-line (1L) therapy (USA/CAN: 89.0%; UK/EU: 90.2%). A substantial proportion of 1L erythropoiesis-stimulating agent-treated patients were transfusion dependent before 1L (USA/CAN: 37.1%; UK/EU: 51.2%); a small percentage of these patients achieved transfusion independence during 1L therapy (USA/CAN: 2.8%; UK/EU: 14.4%).Conclusion: These findings highlight an unmet need for more effective treatments among patients with non-del(5q) lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes.

A Brief Overview of the Molecular Landscape of Myelodysplastic Neoplasms

Myelodysplastic neoplasm (MDS) is a heterogeneous group of clonal hematological disorders that originate from the hematopoietic and progenitor cells and present with cytopenias and morphologic dysplasia with a propensity to progress to bone marrow failure or acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Genetic evolution plays a critical role in the pathogenesis, progression, and clinical outcomes of MDS. This process involves the acquisition of genetic mutations in stem cells that confer a selective growth advantage, leading to clonal expansion and the eventual development of MDS. With the advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) assays, an increasing number of molecular aberrations have been discovered in recent years. The knowledge of molecular events in MDS has led to an improved understanding of the disease process, including the evolution of the disease and prognosis, and has paved the way for targeted therapy. The 2022 World Health Organization (WHO) Classification and the International Consensus Classification (ICC) have incorporated the molecular signature into the classification system for MDS. In addition, specific germline mutations are associated with MDS development, especially in pediatrics and young adults. This article reviews the genetic abnormalities of MDS in adults with a brief review of germline predisposition syndromes.

Mesenchymal stromal cells in myeloid malignancies: Immunotherapeutic opportunities

Myeloid malignancies are clonal disorders of the progenitor cells or hematopoietic stem cells, including acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, myeloproliferative malignancies, and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. Myeloid neoplastic cells affect the proliferation and differentiation of other hematopoietic lineages in the bone marrow and peripheral blood, leading to severe and life-threatening complications. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) residing in the bone marrow exert immunosuppressive functions by suppressing innate and adaptive immune systems, thus creating a supportive and tolerant microenvironment for myeloid malignancy progression. This review summarizes the significant features of MSCs in myeloid malignancies, including their role in regulating cell growth, cell death, and antineoplastic resistance, in addition to their immunosuppressive contributions. Understanding the implications of MSCs in myeloid malignancies could pave the path for potential use in immunotherapy.

Cytogenetics in the management of myelodysplastic neoplasms (myelodysplastic syndromes, MDS): Guidelines from the groupe francophone de cytogénétique hématologique (GFCH)

Myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS) are clonal hematopoietic neoplasms. Chromosomal abnormalities (CAs) are detected in 40-45% of de novo MDS and up to 80% of post-cytotoxic therapy MDS (MDS-pCT). Lately, several changes appeared in World Health Organization (WHO) classification and International Consensus Classification (ICC). The novel 'biallelic TP53 inactivation' (also called 'multi-hit TP53') MDS entity requires systematic investigation of TP53 locus (17p13.1). The ICC maintains CA allowing the diagnosis of MDS without dysplasia (del(5q), del(7q), -7 and complex karyotype). Deletion 5q is the only CA, still representing a low blast class of its own, if isolated or associated with one additional CA other than -7 or del(7q) and without multi-hit TP53. It represents one of the most frequent aberrations in adults' MDS, with chromosome 7 aberrations, and trisomy 8. Conversely, translocations are rarer in MDS. In children, del(5q) is very rare while -7 and del(7q) are predominant. Identification of a germline predisposition is key in childhood MDS. Aberrations of chromosomes 5, 7 and 17 are the most frequent in MDS-pCT, grouped in complex karyotypes. Despite the ever-increasing importance of molecular features, cytogenetics remains a major part of diagnosis and prognosis. In 2022, a molecular international prognostic score (IPSS-M) was proposed, combining the prognostic value of mutated genes to the previous scoring parameters (IPSS-R) including cytogenetics, still essential. A karyotype on bone marrow remains mandatory at diagnosis of MDS with complementary molecular analyses now required. Analyses with FISH or other technologies providing similar information can be necessary to complete and help in case of karyotype failure, for doubtful CA, for clonality assessment, and for detection of TP53 deletion to assess TP53 biallelic alterations.

Mutational Profile Enables the Identification of a High-Risk Subgroup in Myelodysplastic Syndromes with Isolated Trisomy 8

Trisomy 8 (+8) is the most frequent trisomy in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and is associated with clinical heterogeneity and intermediate cytogenetic risk when found in isolation. The presence of gene mutations in this group of patients and the prognostic significance has not been extensively analyzed. Targeted deep sequencing was performed in a cohort of 79 MDS patients showing isolated +8. The most frequently mutated genes were: TET2 (38%), STAG2 (34.2%), SRSF2 (29.1%) and RUNX1 (26.6%). The mutational profile identified a high-risk subgroup with mutations in STAG2, SRSF2 and/or RUNX1, resulting in shorter time to acute myeloid leukemia progression (14 months while not reached in patients without these mutations, p < 0.0001) and shorter overall survival (23.7 vs. 46.3 months, p = 0.001). Multivariate analyses revealed the presence of mutations in these genes as an independent prognostic factor in MDS showing +8 isolated (HR: 3.1; p < 0.01). Moreover, 39.5% and 15.4% of patients classified as low/intermediate risk by the IPSS-R and IPSS-M, respectively, were re-stratified as a high-risk subgroup based on the mutational status of STAG2, SRSF2 and RUNX1. Results were validated in an external cohort (n = 2494). In summary, this study validates the prognosis significance of somatic mutations shown in IPSS-M and adds STAG2 as an important mutated gene to consider in this specific subgroup of patients. The mutational profile in isolated +8 MDS patients could, therefore, offer new insights for the correct management of patients with a higher risk of leukemic transformation.

Understanding the Continuum between High-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a clonal hematopoietic neoplasm characterized by bone marrow dysplasia, failure of hematopoiesis and variable risk of progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Recent large-scale studies have demonstrated that distinct molecular abnormalities detected at earlier stages of MDS alter disease biology and predict progression to AML. Consistently, various studies analyzing these diseases at the single-cell level have identified specific patterns of progression strongly associated with genomic alterations. These pre-clinical results have solidified the conclusion that high-risk MDS and AML arising from MDS or AML with MDS-related changes (AML-MRC) represent a continuum of the same disease. AML-MRC is distinguished from de novo AML by the presence of certain chromosomal abnormalities, such as deletion of 5q, 7/7q, 20q and complex karyotype and somatic mutations, which are also present in MDS and carry crucial prognostic implications. Recent changes in the classification and prognostication of MDS and AML by the International Consensus Classification (ICC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) reflect these advances. Finally, a better understanding of the biology of high-risk MDS and the mechanisms of disease progression have led to the introduction of novel therapeutic approaches, such as the addition of venetoclax to hypomethylating agents and, more recently, triplet therapies and agents targeting specific mutations, including FLT3 and IDH1/2. In this review, we analyze the pre-clinical data supporting that high-risk MDS and AML-MRC share the same genetic abnormalities and represent a continuum, describe the recent changes in the classification of these neoplasms and summarize the advances in the management of patients with these neoplasms.

Molecular Drivers of Myelodysplastic Neoplasms (MDS)-Classification and Prognostic Relevance

Myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS) form a broad spectrum of clonal myeloid malignancies arising from hematopoietic stem cells that are characterized by progressive and refractory cytopenia and morphological dysplasia. Recent advances in unraveling the underlying pathogenesis of MDS have led to the identification of molecular drivers and secondary genetic events. With the overall goal of classifying patients into relevant disease entities that can aid to predict clinical outcomes and make therapeutic decisions, several MDS classification models (e.g., French-American-British, World Health Organization, and International Consensus Classification) as well as prognostication models (e.g., International Prognostic Scoring system (IPSS), the revised IPSS (IPSS-R), and the molecular IPSS (IPSS-M)), have been developed. The IPSS-M is the first model that incorporates molecular data for individual genes and facilitates better prediction of clinical outcome parameters compared to older versions of this model (i.e., overall survival, disease progression, and leukemia-free survival). Comprehensive classification and accurate risk prediction largely depend on the integration of genetic mutations that drive the disease, which is crucial to improve the diagnostic work-up, guide treatment decision making, and direct novel therapeutic options. In this review, we summarize the most common cytogenetic and genomic drivers of MDS and how they impact MDS prognosis and treatment decisions.

Importance of p53 gene polymorphisms in myelodysplastic syndrome disease

Aim: Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a clonal disease with a high risk of conversion to acute myeloid leukemia, characterized by increased apoptosis and decreased hematopoiesis. The pathogenesis of MDS has not been fully explained. ~50% of cases have abnormal karyotype and this rate is around 80% in secondary MDS. The p53 protein is an important regulator of stem cell homeostasis and is involved in a range of cellular events such as cell cycle regulation, apoptotic and inflammatory response. The TP53 gene, which has important roles in maintaining genomic integrity, is frequently mutated in cancers; however, some gene polymorphisms are known to be associated with cancer, as well as mutations. Our aim in the study is to determine the prevalence of four common p53 single nucleotide polymorphisms in MDS and their effects on disease development. For this reason, 100 cases followed up with the diagnosis of MDS or newly diagnosed in Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Hematology were included in the study. Materials and Methods: DNAs isolated from peripheral blood leukocytes of MDS cases were studied by real-time PCR method, p53 polymorphisms (rs35163653, rs35993958, rs1800371, rs1042522) were determined by using appropriate probes and melting curve analysis. Results: Among the four common p53 polymorphisms examined, especially the non-ancestral G allele in the rs1042522 polymorphism was observed to be increased in MDS cases (C: 30.3%; G: 69.7%). In this polymorphism, which is known to be functional, that is, affecting the function of the synthesized protein, the transition of the C nucleotide at position 417 to G (C>G) causes the coding of the amino acid proline at position 72 of the protein to arginine (P72R). Conclusion: Our study is the first to investigate the p53 polymorphisms of rs35163653, rs35993958, rs1800371 and rs1042522 in the MDS disease group. Of these, rs1042522 polymorphism has been shown to be associated with cancer susceptibility and susceptibility, and it is thought that it may pose a high risk for MDS disease as well. In conclusion, rs1042522 polymorphism may be used as a marker in the diagnosis of MDS in the future by repeating this study for MDS disease with a larger case group.

The utility of a single tube 10-color flow cytometry for quantitative and qualitative analysis in myelodysplastic syndrome- a pilot study

INTRODUCTION

Assessment of myelodysplasia (MDS) by flow cytometry (FCM) includes elaborate panels, and interpretation is observer-dependent. This study evaluates single tube 10-color FCM in a test cohort of clinically suspected MDS patients.

METHODS

We analyzed fifty-six bone marrow (BM) samples from clinically suspected MDS patients in a morphology-blinded manner along with controls using a 10-color single tube flow cytometry. We analyzed the reproducibility of Ogata score and modified FCM scores, additionally incorporating the proportion of CD15, CD11b, CD56, and CD38MFI on CD34+CD19-cluster for each patient. Patients were grouped as proven-MDS, suspected-MDS, and non-MDS groups based on morphology and cytogenetics. Optimized multi-axial radar-plots were also used to analyze maturation patterns in the granulocytic, monocytic, and blast progenitor compartments of proven-MDS cases and controls.

RESULTS

Flow cytometric abnormalities ≥3 were present in proven-MDS (n = 23) with a sensitivity and specificity of 78 % and 94 %, respectively, as per Ogata score. The addition of CD38 MFI to the score yielded sensitivity and specificity of 82 % and 88 %, respectively. Additional analysis of aberrant expression of CD15, CD11b, and CD56 increased the diagnostic power of the FCM score. A qualitative analysis of data also showed differences in maturation patterns in proven-MDS compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION

Single tube 10-color FCM scoring, including Ogata score, modified-FCM scores, and radar plots pattern analysis, showed significant abnormalities in proven-MDS cases in this pilot study. Large databases, including FCM-scoring and pattern-based analysis for normal BM maturation, could be further validated and standardized for screening MDS.

Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells and Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells in Myeloid Malignancies

Myeloid malignancies arise from an altered hematopoietic stem cell and mainly comprise acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, myeloproliferative malignancies, and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. Myeloid neoplastic leukemic cells may influence the growth and differentiation of other hematopoietic cell lineages in peripheral blood and bone marrow. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) display immunoregulatory properties by controlling the innate and adaptive immune systems that may induce a tolerant and supportive microenvironment for neoplasm development. This review analyzes the main features of MDSCs and MSCs in myeloid malignancies. The number of MDSCs is elevated in myeloid malignancies exhibiting high immunosuppressive capacities, whereas MSCs, in addition to their immunosuppression contribution, regulate myeloid leukemia cell proliferation, apoptosis, and chemotherapy resistance. Moreover, MSCs may promote MDSC expansion, which may mutually contribute to the creation of an immuno-tolerant neoplasm microenvironment. Understanding the implication of MDSCs and MSCs in myeloid malignancies may favor their potential use in immunotherapeutic strategies.

Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells and Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells in Myeloid Malignancies

Myeloid malignancies arise from an altered hematopoietic stem cell and mainly comprise acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, myeloproliferative malignancies, and chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. Myeloid neoplastic leukemic cells may influence the growth and differentiation of other hematopoietic cell lineages in peripheral blood and bone marrow. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) display immunoregulatory properties by controlling the innate and adaptive immune systems that may induce a tolerant and supportive microenvironment for neoplasm development. This review analyzes the main features of MDSCs and MSCs in myeloid malignancies. The number of MDSCs is elevated in myeloid malignancies exhibiting high immunosuppressive capacities, whereas MSCs, in addition to their immunosuppression contribution, regulate myeloid leukemia cell proliferation, apoptosis, and chemotherapy resistance. Moreover, MSCs may promote MDSC expansion, which may mutually contribute to the creation of an immuno-tolerant neoplasm microenvironment. Understanding the implication of MDSCs and MSCs in myeloid malignancies may favor their potential use in immunotherapeutic strategies.

Blockade of IL-22 signaling reverses erythroid dysfunction in stress-induced anemias

Patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) display severe anemia but the mechanisms underlying this phenotype are incompletely understood. Right open-reading-frame kinase 2 (RIOK2) encodes a protein kinase located at 5q15, a region frequently lost in patients with MDS del(5q). Here we show that hematopoietic cell-specific haploinsufficient deletion of Riok2 (Riok2f/+Vav1cre) led to reduced erythroid precursor frequency leading to anemia. Proteomic analysis of Riok2f/+Vav1cre erythroid precursors suggested immune system activation, and transcriptomic analysis revealed an increase in p53-dependent interleukin (IL)-22 in Riok2f/+Vav1cre CD4+ T cells (TH22). Further, we discovered that the IL-22 receptor, IL-22RA1, was unexpectedly present on erythroid precursors. Blockade of IL-22 signaling alleviated anemia not only in Riok2f/+Vav1cre mice but also in wild-type mice. Serum concentrations of IL-22 were increased in the subset of patients with del(5q) MDS as well as patients with anemia secondary to chronic kidney disease. This work reveals a possible therapeutic opportunity for reversing many stress-induced anemias by targeting IL-22 signaling.

Genomic Landscape and Risk Stratification in Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia

PURPOSE

The advent of next-generation sequencing has allowed for the annotation of a vast array of recurrent somatic mutations across human malignancies, ushering in a new era of precision oncology. Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia is recognized as a myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasm and displays heterogenous clinical and genetic features. Herein, we review what is currently understood regarding the genomic landscape of this disease and discuss how somatic mutations have impacted current risk stratification methods.

RECENT FINDINGS

Genomic studies in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia have identified a characteristic spectrum of cytogenetic and molecular abnormalities. Chromosomal abnormalities are detected in ~30% of patients and somatic gene mutations in up to 90% of patients, most commonly in TET2, SRSF2, and ASXL1. While cytogenetic abnormalities have long been known to impact the prognosis of myeloid neoplasms, recent studies have identified that somatic mutations impact prognosis independent of cytogenetic and clinical variables. This is best exemplified by mutations in ASXL1, which have been uniformly associated with inferior survival. These findings have led to the development of three molecularly inspired prognostic models, in an attempt to more accurately prognosticate in the disease. Our understanding of the genomic landscape of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia continues to evolve, with somatic mutations demonstrating an expanding role in diagnosis, risk stratification, and therapeutic decision-making. Given these findings, molecular profiling by next-generation sequencing should be considered standard of care in all patients.

Clinical Management of Anemia in Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndromes: An Update on Emerging Therapeutic Options

For the majority of patients with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (LR-MDS), one of the primary clinical goals is to alleviate the symptoms associated with the resultant cytopenias and to minimize the transfusion burden. While supportive red blood cell (RBC) transfusions and erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) may lead to clinical improvement, frequent transfusions are often complicated by iron overload and decreased quality of life; furthermore, most patients either do not respond to ESAs or will eventually develop resistance. As such, there is a great need for further therapeutic options in the management of anemia related to MDS. Several additional therapeutics are now available in select patients with LR-MDS and symptomatic anemia including luspatercept, lenalidomide, and immunosuppressive therapy. Furthermore, several novel agents are currently in development to address this area of clinical need such as imetelstat and roxadustat. In this article, we review the currently available therapeutic options for symptomatic anemia in LR-MDS as well as review the therapeutic agents in development.

Cytogenetic characteristics of 665 patients with myelodysplastic syndrome in China: A single-center report

The karyotype is highly important for diagnosis and prognosis in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). The objective of the present study was to investigate the cytogenetic characteristics of patients with MDS in China. The karyotypes of 665 Chinese patients with MDS were analyzed, and it was identified that 298 cases (298/665, 44.8%) had abnormal karyotypes. Among the 298 patients with abnormal karyotypes, the 75 patients with trisomy 8 (+8) constituted the most common subset (75/298, 25.2%). The incidence of abnormal karyotypes was significantly higher in patients who were ≥51 years old compared with those <51 years old, (54.8 vs. 34.7%, respectively; P<0.05). Based on World Health Organization (WHO) classification-based Prognostic Scoring System (WPSS) criteria, the incidence of poor-prognosis karyotypes was significantly higher (17.4 vs. 5.4%; P<0.05) in the older patient group, and based on the Revised International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-R) criteria, the incidence of poor-/very poor-prognosis karyotypes was also significantly higher (17.4 vs. 6.6%; P<0.05) in patients ≥51 years old compared with younger ones. Based on the WHO classification of MDS subtypes, the incidence of abnormal karyotypes in patients with high percentages of bone marrow (BM) blasts [excess blasts (EB)-I + EB-II, ≥5% blasts] was significantly higher than that in patients with low percentages of BM blasts (those with single lineage dysplasia + multilineage dysplasia, <5% blasts) (62.5 vs. 36.0%; P<0.05). The incidence of poor-prognosis karyotypes based on WPSS criteria was significantly higher in patients with high percentages of BM blasts than those with low percentages (22.0 vs. 6.9%, respectively; P<0.05), and the incidence of poor-/very poor-prognosis karyotypes based on IPSS-R criteria was also significantly higher (23.0 vs. 7.4%, respectively; P<0.05). These results demonstrate that +8 is the most common abnormal karyotype in Chinese patients with MDS. Age and the percentage of BM blasts are associated with the incidence of both abnormal karyotypes and karyotypes with poor prognosis. The results of cytogenetic abnormalities in this study will supplement the data on patients of MDS in China.

Loss of 5q in myeloid malignancies - A gain in understanding of biological and clinical consequences

Hemizygous interstitial or terminal deletion of the long arm of chromosome 5 [del(5q)] is a recurrent cytogenetic abnormality in myeloid malignancies, including myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). These deletions cause loss of a large contiguous chromosomal region encompassing more than 30 genes, which results in disease through haploinsufficiency of one or more genes including RPS14. In MDS, del(5q) in isolation is a lower-risk cytogenetic anomaly and is sometimes associated with a unique clinicopathological phenotype, but in AML it represents a higher-risk lesion, often denoting secondary AML arising from prior MDS. Lenalidomide effectively targets the del(5q)-bearing clone in MDS, resulting in sustained erythroid transfusion independence in most patients and cytogenetic remission in a subset of treated patients. Since the initial regulatory approval of lenalidomide for del(5q) MDS in 2005, translational research endeavors in del(5q)-associated myeloid malignancies have improved our understanding of how allelic haploinsufficiency underlies both the hematological phenotype and selective sensitivity to lenalidomide therapy. This review will focus on the molecular pathogenesis of del(5q) in myeloid malignancies, clinical development of lenalidomide and emerging data on lenalidomide-refractory del (5q) MDS, and possible novel targeted therapeutic strategies.

TP53 in Myelodysplastic Syndromes: Recent Biological and Clinical Findings

TP53 dysregulation plays a pivotal role in the molecular pathogenesis of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), identifying a subgroup of patients with peculiar features. In this review we report the recent biological and clinical findings of TP53-mutated MDS, focusing on the molecular pathways activation and on its impact on the cellular physiology. In MDS, TP53 mutational status is deeply associated with del(5q) syndrome and its dysregulation impacts on cell cycle, DNA repair and apoptosis inducing chromosomal instability and the clonal evolution of disease. TP53 defects influence adversely the MDS clinical outcome and the treatment response rate, thus new therapeutic approaches are being developed for these patients. TP53 allelic state characterization and the mutational burden evaluation can therefore predict prognosis and identify the subgroup of patients eligible for targeted therapy. For these reasons, in the era of precision medicine, the MDS diagnostic workup cannot do without the complete assessment of TP53 mutational profile.

Acute myeloid leukemia with isolated del(5q) is associated with IDH1/IDH2 mutations and better prognosis when compared to acute myeloid leukemia with complex karyotype including del(5q)

Myelodysplastic syndrome with isolated del(5q) is a well-recognized entity with a relatively favorable prognosis. Isolated del(5q) in acute myeloid leukemia is rare and acute myeloid leukemia cases with isolated del(5q) are not well characterized. Del(5q) has been shown to be a poor prognostic marker in acute myeloid leukemia based on multivariable analysis in large cohort studies, which contained mostly cases with del(5q) in the context of multiple chromosomal abnormalities. To further characterize acute myeloid leukemia with isolated del(5q), clinicopathologic characterization including mutation analysis was performed. During a 10-year period, we identified 12 cases of acute myeloid leukemia with isolated del(5q), 7 cases of acute myeloid leukemia with del(5q) plus one additional chromosome abnormality not involving chromosome 7, as well as two control groups composed of 124 cases of acute myeloid leukemia with complex karyotype including del(5q), and 40 cases of myelodysplastic syndrome with isolated del(5q). At diagnosis, cases of acute myeloid leukemia with isolated del(5q) had higher platelet counts (p = 0.044), hemoglobin (p = 0.011), and mean corpuscular volume (p = 0.017) compared with cases of acute myeloid leukemia with complex karyotype including del(5q). Acute myeloid leukemia with isolated del(5q) was less likely therapy-related (p = 0.037), more likely to have IDH1/IDH2 mutations (p = 0.009), and less likely to have TP53 mutations (p = 0.005) when compared to acute myeloid leukemia with complex karyotype including del(5q). Acute myeloid leukemia with isolated del(5q) also showed longer overall survival than acute myeloid leukemia with complex karyotype cases including del(5q) (p = 0.004). In summary, acute myeloid leukemia with isolated del(5q) appeared to show some distinct clinicopathologic and genomic features as compared to cases of acute myeloid leukemia with complex karyotype including del(5q).

[Analysis of clinical characteristics, treatment response rate and survival of 77 myelodysplastic syndrome patients with del (5q) syndrome]

Objective: To observe the clinical characteristics, treatment responses and prognosis of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) -del (5q) syndrome who met WHO (2016) diagnostic typing criteria. Methods: A total of 77 patients with del (5q) syndrome, according to WHO (2016) classification, were retrospectively analyzed between January 2008 and April 2018 in the Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Clinical characteristics, lenalidomide (LEN) efficacy and survivals were compared between the patients with del (5q) alone and those with one additional cytogenetic abnormality (ACA) with the exception of monosomy 7 or del (7q) . Treatment response and overall survival (OS) were compared between patients who were treated with LEN and traditional non-LEN drugs. Results: Of 77 patients, 64 were isolated del (5q) and 13 were del (5q) with ACA. There were significant differences of the median age and percentage of patients who had small megakaryocytes in bone marrow smear by immunohistochemistry (CD41) between the patients with isolated del (5q) and the patients with del (5q) + ACA[58 (29-64) years old vs 63 (31-82) years old, z=2.164, P=0.030; and 91.7%vs 60.0%, P=0.046, respectively]. The overall hematological response rate (78.9%vs 80.0%) , complete hematological remission (CR) rate (57.9% vs 60.0%) , cytogenetic response (CyR) rate[69.2% (9/13) vs 66.7% (4/6) ] and complete cytogenetic response (CCyR) rate [61.5% (8/13) vs 33.3% (2/6) ] of LEN were similar between the patients with isolated del (5q) (n=19) and with del (5q) + ACA (n=10) , as well as the median Overall survival (OS) between these two groups of patients (62 months vs 78 months, P=0.388) . The hematological response rate (79.3% vs 36.0%) , CR rate (58.6% vs 8.0%) , CyR rate [68.4% (13/19) vs 11.1% (1/9) ] and CCyR rate [52.6% (10/19) vs 0 (0/9) ] were higher among patients treated with LEN (n=29) than those treated with non-LEN therapy (n=25) . There was no statistically significant difference in OS between the patients with LEN or non-LEN therapy (78 months vs 62 months, P=0.297) . Conclusion: Comparing del (5q) syndrome patients with isolated del (5q) or with del (5q) + ACA, two groups of patients had similar clinical characteristics, median OS and LEN efficacy. LEN showed better treatment response than traditional drugs in patients with del (5q) syndrome.

Intestinal Behçet disease associated with myelodysplastic syndrome accompanying trisomy 8 successfully treated with abdominal surgery followed by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A case report

RATIONALE

Intestinal Behçet disease (BD) with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a rare condition that is resistant to various immunosuppressive therapies. Several cases in which hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) was effective for intestinal BD with MDS accompanying trisomy 8 have been reported.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We report an 18-year-old female with a 7-year history of BD. Colonoscopy demonstrated a huge ulcer in the cecum. Chromosomal examination revealed a karyotype of trisomy 8 in 87% of cells. Bone marrow examination revealed dysplastic cells in multilineages.

DIAGNOSES

A diagnosis of intestinal BD associated with MDS accompanying trisomy 8 was made.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient underwent ileocecal resection due to microperforations of ileocecal ulcers; she then underwent allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) with her mother as a donor.

OUTCOMES

After the PBSCT, the patient's symptoms due to BD (fever, oral aphthae, abdominal pain, and genital ulcers) completely disappeared, with no severe adverse events.

LESSONS

The present case demonstrates that HSCT including PBSCT might be an effective new therapeutic option for refractory intestinal BD with MDS when immunosuppressive therapy has achieved insufficient efficacy.

Comprehensive analysis of isolated der(1;7)(q10;p10) in a large international homogenous cohort of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes

The karyotype is a strong independent prognostic factor in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Since the implementation of the new comprehensive cytogenetic scoring system for MDS, chromosome 7 anomalies are no longer generally assigned to poor risk features but are thoroughly separated. However, der(1;7)(q10;p10), hereinafter der(1;7), is merged into the group labeled "any other single" and belongs to the intermediate risk group, just by definition due to lack of adequate clinical data. The aim of our international collaborative was to clarify the "real" prognostic impact of der(1;7) on a homogenous and well-documented data base. We performed detailed analysis of 63 MDS patients with isolated der(1;7) constituting the largest cohort hitherto reported. Furthermore, clinical data are compared with those of patients with isolated del(7q) and isolated monosomy 7. Median overall survival (OS) of patients with der(1;7) is 26 months (hazard ratio (HR) 0.91 for del(7q) vs der(1;7) and 2.53 for monosomy 7 vs der(1;7)). The der(1;7) is associated with profound thrombocytopenia most probably causing the reduced OS which is in striking contrast to the low risk for AML transformation (HR 3.89 for del(7q) vs der(1;7) and 5.88 for monosomy 7 vs der(1;7)). Molecular karyotyping indicates that der(1;7) is generated in a single step during mitosis and that a chromosomal imbalance rather than a single disrupted gene accounts for malignancy. Thus, the current cytogenetic scoring system assigning isolated der(1;7) to the intermediate risk group is now confirmed by a sufficient data set.

The prognostic significance of chromosome 17 abnormalities in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome treated with 5-azacytidine: Results from the Hellenic 5-azacytidine registry

In patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), the prognostic significance of chromosome 17 abnormalities has not yet been fully elucidated, except for isochromosome 17q that has been characterized as an intermediate risk abnormality in the Revised International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS‐R). To further characterize the prognostic significance of chromosome 17 abnormalities we analyzed the hematologic and prognostic characteristics of 548 adult patients with MDS treated with 5‐azacytidine through the Hellenic 5‐azacytidine registry and found 32 patients with a chromosome 17 abnormality (6 with i[17q], 15 with ‐17, 3 with add[17p] and the rest with other rarer abnormalities, mostly translocations). The presence of a chromosome 17 abnormality was correlated with poor prognostic features (high IPSS, IPSS‐R, and WPSS scores) and a low overall survival rate (15.7 vs 36.4 months for patients without chromosome 17 abnormalities, Kaplan–Meier, Log Rank P < 0.00001), but these results were confounded by the fact that most (92.3%) of the cases with a chromosome 17 abnormality (with the exception of i(17q) that was found in all cases as an isolated abnormality) were found in the context of a complex karyotype. Nevertheless, one should not ignore the contribution of chromosome 17 abnormalities to the prognostic significance of a complex karyotype since 33.8% of complex karyotypes encompassed a chromosome 17 abnormality.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemias in Adults: Recommendations From the European Hematology Association and the European LeukemiaNet

Chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) is a disease of the elderly, and by far the most frequent overlap myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasm in adults. Aside from the chronic monocytosis that remains the cornerstone of its diagnosis, the clinical presentation of CMML includes dysplastic features, cytopenias, excess of blasts, or myeloproliferative features including high white blood cell count or splenomegaly. Prognosis is variable, with several prognostic scoring systems reported in recent years, and treatment is poorly defined, with options ranging from watchful waiting to allogeneic stem cell transplantation, which remains the only curative therapy for CMML. Here, we present on behalf of the European Hematology Association and the European LeukemiaNet, evidence- and consensus-based guidelines, established by an international group of experts, from Europe and the United States, for standardized diagnostic and prognostic procedures and for an appropriate choice of therapeutic interventions in adult patients with CMML.

High Incidence of Gastrointestinal Ulceration and Cytogenetic Aberration of Trisomy 8 as Typical Features of Behçet's Disease Associated with Myelodysplastic Syndrome: A Series of 16 Consecutive Chinese Patients from the Shanghai Behçet's Disease Database and Comparison with the Literature

This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of Chinese patients with Behçet disease (BD) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and explore the role played by trisomy 8. This was a retrospective study of patients with BD and MDS from the Shanghai Behçet's disease database who were diagnosed between October 2012 and July 2017. There were 805 patients with BD and 16 also had MDS. Trisomy 8 was examined in patients with BD-MDS and some patients with gastrointestinal (GI) BD. Patients with BD and MDS (16/805; 2%) were more likely to be female and older; display fever and intestinal lesions; have lower leukocyte count, hemoglobin, platelet count; and show higher C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) than patients with BD without MDS (all P < 0.05). Trisomy 8 was common (81.3%) in patients with BD-MDS. Ulcers in the ileocecal region were more frequently seen in intestinal patients with BD-MDS than in BD without MDS (90.0% versus 48.9%; P = 0.032). GI ulceration is common in patients with BD-MDS. Cytogenetic aberrations, especially trisomy 8, may play a role in the pathogenesis of intestinal involvement in patients with BD-MDS.

Prevalence of Chromosome 7 Abnormalities in Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Single Center Study and Brief Literature Review

Chromosome 7 abnormalities in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) heralds a poor prognosis. However its prevalence, morphological characteristics and clinical impact in MDS and AML in Indian subcontinent is sparsely reported. This was an observational cross-sectional study performed to evaluate the clinico-pathological profiles of MDS/AML patients with chromosome 7 abnormalities over a period of 4 years. 724 cases of MDS (n = 150) and AML (n = 574) were evaluated. Abnormal karyotype was detected in 49% (43/88) patients of MDS and 44% (127/289) cases of AML. Chromosome 7 abnormalities were detected in 18% cases of MDS (16/88) and 6.5% (19/289) cases of AML. Sole chromosome 7 abnormalities were detected in 5.7% (5/88) and 2.7% (8/289) and in adjunct to complex abnormalities in 7.9 and 3.1% cases of MDS and AML respectively. Morphologically, dyserythropoiesis, dysmyelopoiesis and eosinophilia were seen in 100, 66 and 56% cases of MDS and 38, 40 and 21% cases of AML. Majority of the patients had an aggressive natural course and outcome was dismal. Chromosome 7 abnormalities are strongly associated with the presence of morphological dysplasia and eosinophilia, irrespective of the type of aberration. It is invariably associated with very poor outcome.

Recurrent genetic defects on chromosome 5q in myeloid neoplasms

Background

Deletion of chromosome 5q (del(5q)) is the most common karyotypic abnormality in myeloid neoplasms.

Materials and Methods

To define the pathogenic molecular features associated with del(5q), next–generation sequencing was applied to 133 patients with myeloid neoplasms (MDS; N = 69, MDS/MPN; N = 5, sAML; N = 29, pAML; N = 30) with del(5q) as a sole abnormally or a part of complex karyotype and results were compared to molecular features of patients diploid for chr5.

Findings

A number of 5q genes with haploinsufficient expression and/or recurrent somatic mutations were identified; for these genes, CSNK1A1 and G3BP1 within the commonly deleted 5q region and DDX41 within a commonly retained region were most commonly affected by somatic mutations. These genes showed consistent haploinsufficiency in deleted cases; low expression/mutations of G3BP1 or DDX41 were associated with poor survival, likely due to decreased cellular function. The most common mutations on other chromosomes in patients with del(5q) included TP53, and mutations of FLT3 (ITD or TKD), NPM1 or TET2 and were mutually exclusive. Serial sequencing allowed for definition of clonal architecture and dynamics, in patients with exome sequencing allelic imbalance for informative SNPs facilitated simultaneous approximation of clonal size of del(5q) and clonal burden for somatic mutations.

Interpretation

Our results illuminate the spectrum of molecular defects characteristic of del(5q), their clinical impact and succession of stepwise evolution.

Utility of 5-Methylcytosine Immunohistochemical Staining to Assess Global DNA Methylation and Its Prognostic Impact in MDS Patients

Background:

DNA methylation plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of the myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a heterogeneous group of clonal hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) disorders. It is reported to be an independent prognostic factor affecting overall survival (OS). Our aim was to analyze the role of global DNA methylation using an anti-5-methylcytosine (5-MC) antibody by immunohistochemistry (IHC) of bone marrow biopsy (BM Bx) specimens in MDS patients, assessing correlations with various clinical and biological prognostic factors.

Material and methods:

A total of 59 MDS cases, classified as per the World Health Organization (WHO) 2008 guidelines, were evaluated over a period of 4 years. Clinical data were retrieved from departmental case records and anti-5-MC expression was analyzed with formalin fixed paraffin embedded sections of BM Bx specimens of MDS patients and controls.

Results:

The median age at diagnosis was 52 years (15-85years). Patients were categorized into low risk (59%) and high risk (41%) according to International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS). The median follow-up time was 10 months (1 to 37 months). We generated a methylation score (M-score) using anti-5-MC and with the derived cut-off of 30.5 from the receiver operator curve (ROC), there was a significant difference between the two groups in the percentage of BM blasts (p=0.01), WHO sub-type (p=0.01), IPSS (p=0.004), progression to AML (p=0.04) on univariate analysis. Interestingly, patients showing a high M-score (M-score ≥ 30.5) demonstrated a significantly shorter OS and progression to AML. However, on multivariate analysis, only BM blasts (p=0.01) and IPSS (p=0.02) remained independent variables for progression to AML and OS respectively.

Conclusion:

Immunostaining with anti-5-MC antibody with BM Bx samples is a simple and cost effective technique to detect global methylation, a powerful tool to predict overall survival in patients with MDS.

First Cytogenetic Profile of Omani Patients with de novo Myelodysplastic Syndromes: Comparison with data from Asia, Africa, Europe and North and South America

Clonal cytogenetic abnormalities have been reported among 30-80% of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS); however, 20-70% of patients with MDS show a normal karyotype that may nevertheless harbour a cryptic genetic alteration. Earlier reports have suggested that the distribution of specific chromosomal aberrations varies among Western and Asian countries, with geographical and ethnic differences in the frequency of specific chromosomal aberrations. This article compared the cytogenetic data of 36 adult Omani patients with MDS to previously reported data from other populations. Differences were noted between the percentages of clonal aberrations and the median age of Omani subjects at presentation in comparison to individuals of different ethnicities and from various geographical locations. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report to describe the cytogenetic data of patients with MDS from Oman.

Clinicohematological and cytogenetic profile of myelodysplastic syndromes in Pakistan-compare and contrast

Background

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are clonal stem cell disorders exhibiting cytopenias, ineffective hematopoiesis and morphological dysplasia. Bone marrow cytogenetics, inspite of being incorporated as mandatory tool in diagnosis are done less frequently due to limited availability of this technique in Pakistan. The aim of the study was to study baseline clinicohematological and cytogenetic characteristics of patients presenting with de novo MDS.

Results

A retrospective cross sectional study was done at National Institute of Blood Diseases and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan from 2010 to 2016. Total of 177 patients were included in the study having median age 51 years and male to female ratio of 3:1. Pancytopenia was observed in 80 (45%) patients and bicytopenia in 74 (42%). Mean Hb% was 7.8 ± 2.18 g/dl, total leukocyte count (TLC) 8.8 ± 13.6 × 10⁹/l, platelet count was 82 ± 95.7 × 10⁹/l. Of total 170 (96%) were transfusion dependent. Refractory cytopenias with multilineage dysplasia (RCMD) was the most common world health organization (WHO) category. Karyotype was done in 98 (55%) patients out of which 44 (45%) had abnormal karyotype, complex karyotype (CK) was most commonly observed in 12 (12.2%) followed by monosomy 7 in 7 (7.1%).

Conclusions

We found younger median age at diagnosis, higher mean TLC and no significant history of recurrent infections. CK and monosomy 7 carry bad prognostic implications and early disease transformation to acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Monosomy 7 being associated with bad overall survival, such patients must be identified early with close clinical follow up and offered stem cell transplant. This is the largest cohort of patients of MDS evaluated for baseline clinical and cytogenetic characteristics in our country.

The role of p53 in myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia: molecular aspects and clinical implications

TP53 gene mutations occurring in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are associated with high-risk karyotypes including 17p abnormalities, monosomal and complex cytogenetics. TP53 mutations in these disorders portend rapid disease progression and resistance to conventional therapeutics. Notably, the size of the TP53 mutant clone as measured by mutation allele burden is directly linked to overall survival (OS) confirming the importance of p53 as a negative prognostic variable. In nucleolar stress-induced ribosomopathies, such as del(5q) MDS, disassociation of MDM2 and p53 results in p53 accumulation in erythroid precursors manifested as erythroid hypoplasia. P53 antagonism by lenalidomide or other therapeutics such as antisense oligonucleotides, repopulates erythroid precursors and enhances effective erythropoiesis. These findings demonstrate that p53 is an intriguing therapeutic target that is currently under investigation in MDS and AML. This study reviews molecular advances in understanding the role of p53 in MDS and AML, and explores potential therapeutic strategies in this era of personalized medicine.

Outcomes of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Adult Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndrome Harboring Trisomy 8

Trisomy 8 (+8) is 1 of the most common cytogenetic abnormalities in adult patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). However, the outcome of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in adult patients with MDS harboring +8 remains unclear. To evaluate the outcome and prognostic factors in patients with MDS harboring +8 as the sole cytogenetic abnormality or in association with other abnormalities, we retrospectively analyzed the Japanese registration data of 381 adult patients with MDS harboring +8 treated with allogeneic HSCT between 1990 and 2013. With a median follow-up period of 53 months, the probability of overall survival and cumulative incidence of relapse at 4 years were 51% and 22%, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, age > 50 years, 2 or more additional cytogenetic abnormalities, and a high risk at the time of HSCT according to the FAB/WHO classification were significantly associated with a higher overall mortality. Nevertheless, no significant impact of the outcome was observed in patients with 1 cytogenetic abnormality in addition to +8. Although 221 patients (58%) had advanced MDS at the time of HSCT, allogeneic HSCT offered a curative option for adult patients with MDS harboring +8.

[The clinical features, cytogenetic characteristics and survival analysis of 550 myelodysplastic syndromes in a single center]

Objective: To retrospectively analyze the clinical features, cytogenetic characteristics and survival of 550 newly diagnosed myelodysplastic syndrome(MDS)patients. Method: By using WHO(2008)criterion for classification, the prognosis of stratification of 550 patients were evaluated according to the IPSS/WPSS/IPSS-R. Results: The median age was 57 years old(range: 12-89 years old). The ratio of male and female was 1.72. In all patients, the median hemoglobin level was 72(22-154)g/L, the median platelet count was 52(3-587)×109/L and the median WBC was 2.52(0.11-48.00)×109/L. 45.6%(251/550)patients had clonal chromosome abnormalities, in which 89(16.2%)patients with complex karyotype. The types of chromosome aberration were mainly dominated by unbalanced anomalies, and the most common types of chromosome aberration were trisomy or monosomy. The most common abnormity was +8. Other aberrations in frequent order were - 7/del(7q), del(5q), del(20q), and so on. In addition, 550 patients were evaluated according to IPSS, IPSS-R, and WPSS prognostic scoring system. The results showed that the IPSS, WPSS and IPSS-R scores were significantly affected OS(P <0.001). The median OS in the IPSSR Low, Intermediate, High and Very Highrisk groups was not reached, 44(95%CI 28-60), 17(95%CI 13- 21)and 8(95%CI 5-11)months, respectively. Conclusion: In this study, the patients' median age was 57(12- 89)years old, and the cytogenetic characteristics were significantly different from western MDS patients. IPSS, IPSS-R and WPSS were important in predicting the survival of MDS patients.

Decitabine in the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndromes, Which Combined with Complex Karyotype Respectively

BACKGROUND

We conducted a study exploring the clinical safety and efficacy of decitabine in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), combined with a complex karyotype.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From April 2009 to September 2013, a total of 35 patients with AML/MDS combined with a complex karyotype diagnosed in the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University were included for retrospective analysis. All patients were treated with decitabine alone (20 mg/m2 daily for 5 days) or combination AAG chemotherapy (Acla 20 mg qod*4d, Ara-C 10 mg/m2 q12h*7d, G-CSF 300 μg qd, the dose of G-CSF adjusted to the amount in blood routinely).

RESULTS

In 35 patients, 15 exhibited a complete response (CR), and 6 a partial response (PR), the overall response rate (CR+PR) being 60% (21 of 35). Median disease-free survival was 18 months and overall survival was 14 months. In the 15 MDS patients with a complex karyotype, the CR rate was 53.3% (8 of 15); in 20 AML patients with complex karyotype, the overall response rate was 65% (13 of 20). The response rate of decitabine alone (22 cases) was 56.5% (13 of 22), while in the combination chemotherapy group (13 cases), the effective rate was 61.5% (8 of 13)(P>0.05). There are 15 patients with chromosome 7 aberration, after treatment with decitabine, 7 CR, 3 PR, overall response rate was 66.7% (10 of 15). Of 18 patients with 3 to 5 kinds of chromosomal abnormalities, 66.7% demonstrated a response; of 17 with more than 5 chromosomal abnormalities, 52.9% had a response. In the total of 35 patients, with one course (23 patients) and ≥two courses (12 patients), the overall response rate was 40.9% and 92.3% (P<0.05). Grade III to IV hematological toxicity was observed in 27 cases (75%). Grade III to IV infections were clinically documented in 7 (20%). Grades I to II non-hematological toxicity were infections (18 patients), haematuria (2 patients), and bleeding (3 patients). With follow-up until September 2013, 7 patients were surviving, 18 had died and 10 were lost to follow-up. In the 6 cases who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) all were still relapse-free survivors.

CONCLUSIONS

Decitabine alone or combination with AAG can improve outcome of AML/MDS with a complex karyotype, there being no significant difference decitabine in inducing remission rates in patients with different karyotype. Increasing the number of courses can improve efficiency. This approach with fewer treatment side effects in patients with a better tolerance should be employed in order to create an improved subsequent chance for HSCT.

Clinicopathologic evaluation of cytopenic patients with isolated trisomy 8: a detailed comparison between idiopathic cytopenia of unknown significance and low-grade myelodysplastic syndrome

The significance of an isolated trisomy 8 (+8) in the diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is not well established. It is common in MDS, but is not considered as an MDS-defining abnormality in the absence of morphologic dysplasia. We evaluated two groups of patients with isolated +8 and either low-grade MDS (LG-MDS) or idiopathic cytopenia of undetermined significance (ICUS). At presentation, ICUS patients had a lower platelet count (85.0 vs 163.5 × 10⁹ cells/L; p = 0.02), while MDS patients had more frequent incidence of isolated anemia (64% vs 0%, p = 0.007). A subset (36%) of ICUS patients progressed to MDS or AML. These patients presented with more severe neutropenia (0.9 vs 3.1 × 10³/μL, p = 0.01) and a trend toward a higher proportion (>50%) of +8 metaphases compared to those that did not progress (p = 0.05). Thus, ICUS patients with isolated +8 may progress to MDS and AML and deserve close clinical follow-up.

Certain Autoimmune Manifestations Are Associated With Distinctive Karyotypes and Outcomes in Patients With Myelodysplastic Syndrome: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Autoimmune manifestations (AIMs) are common in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). This study aimed to investigate whether AIMs are associated with a specific cytogenetic abnormalities and worse survival in patients with MDS. A total of 67 MDS patients with AIMs and 134 age- and sex-matched MDS patients without AIMs, all of whom received medical care at Seoul National University Hospital from January 2000 through July 2014, were enrolled. The clinical features, chromosomal abnormalities, and outcomes were examined. The effect of AIMs on mortality was estimated after adjusting for age, sex, and the International Prognostic Scoring System. The mean age (±SD) at the time of MDS diagnosis was 54.5 ± 17.1 years, and 44.8% of patients were male. Neutrophilic dermatosis (ND; Sweet syndrome and pyoderma gangrenosum) was the most prevalent AIM (n = 24 36%]), followed by Behcet disease (10 [15%]), rheumatoid arthritis (9 [13%]), vasculitis (8 [12%]), myositis (3 [4%]), spondyloarthropathy (3 [4%]), and systemic lupus erythematous (2 [3%]). ND and vasculitis occurred at the time of MDS diagnosis, whereas other AIMs occurred years after MDS diagnosis. Deletion of 5q was associated with ND (P = 0.001), whereas trisomy 8 was associated with Behcet disease (P = 0.015). Strikingly, ND was associated with a 1.8-fold increase in mortality (95% CI 1.033-3.093; P = 0.038). Certain AIMs in MDS patients are associated with distinctive karyotypes and worse survival. A larger study is needed to confirm whether the presence of AIMs influences disease outcome in MDS.

Frequency of del(12p) is commonly underestimated in myelodysplastic syndromes: Results from a German diagnostic study in comparison with an international control group

In myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), deletion of the short arm of chromosome 12 (del(12p)) is usually a small abnormality, rarely detected as a single aberration by chromosome banding analysis (CBA) of bone marrow metaphases. Del(12p) has been described in 0.6 to 5% of MDS patients at initial diagnosis and is associated with a good to intermediate prognosis as a sole anomaly according to current scoring systems. Here, we present the results of a systematic del(12p) testing in a German prospective diagnostic study (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01355913) on 367 MDS patients in whom CD34+ peripheral blood cells were analysed for the presence of del(12p) by sequential fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analyses. A cohort of 2,902 previously published MDS patients diagnosed by CBA served as control. We demonstrate that, using a sensitive FISH technique, 12p deletion occurs significantly more frequently in MDS than previously described (7.6% by CD34+ PB-FISH vs. 1.6% by CBA, P < 0.001) and is often associated with other aberrations (93% by CD34+ PB-FISH vs. 60% by CBA). Additionally, the detection rate can be increased by repeated analyses in a patient over time which is important for the patient´s prognosis to distinguish a sole anomaly from double or complex aberrations. To our knowledge, this is the first study to screen for 12p deletions with a suitable probe for ETV6/TEL in 12p13. Our data suggest that the supplement of a probe for the detection of a 12p deletion to common FISH probe panels helps to avoid missing a del(12p), especially as part of more complex aberrations.

Short- and long-term benefits of lenalidomide treatment in patients with lower-risk del(5q) myelodysplastic syndromes

In patients with transfusion-dependent, lower-risk, del(5q) myelodysplastic syndromes, lenalidomide effectively reduces red blood cell transfusion burden and acts as a disease-modifying agent, altering the natural history of the disease by suppressing the del(5q) clone. Hematologic and/or cytogenetic responses correlate with delayed acute myeloid leukemia progression and better overall survival.

The treatment of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) begins with assessment of karyotype and risk. Lenalidomide is approved for the treatment of patients who have transfusion-dependent anemia due to lower-risk MDS with chromosome 5q deletion (del(5q)) with or without additional cytogenetic abnormalities, and isolated del(5q) only in the European Union. Mounting evidence suggests that lenalidomide is effective not only in reducing red blood cell (RBC) transfusion burden, but also in modifying the disease natural history by suppressing the malignant clone. Data discussed here from the pivotal phase 2 (MDS-003) and phase 3 (MDS-004) studies of lenalidomide demonstrate that lenalidomide treatment was associated with both short- and long-term benefits. These clinical benefits included high rates of RBC-transfusion independence (TI) with prolonged durations of response, high rates of cytogenetic response (CyR) associated with achievement of durable RBC-TI, no significant difference in rates of progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and improvements in health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Achievement of RBC-TI and CyR with lenalidomide treatment was associated with extended survival and time to AML progression. Achievement of RBC-TI and hemoglobin response was additionally associated with HRQOL benefits. Recent data describing the impact of TP53 mutations and p53 expression on the prognosis of patients with del(5q) and the impact on response to lenalidomide are also discussed. The authors provide practical recommendations for the use of lenalidomide in patients with lower-risk del(5q) MDS.

Prognostic impact of acquisition of cytogenetic abnormalities during the course of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia

Karyotypic abnormalities are detected in 20-40% of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) patients at initial diagnosis and have been shown to correlate with patients' outcome. The significance of acquisition of cytogenetic abnormalities (ACA) during the course of CMML, however, is largely unknown. In a cohort of 314 CMML patients, karyotypic abnormalities were detected in 106 (34%) patients at the time of diagnosis; and ACA were detected in 80 (25%) patients after a median interval of 17 months (range, 2-117 months). The most frequently observed ACA were a complex karyotype, followed by +21, -7/del(7q), del(20q), i(17q), and -17/del(17p). ACA appeared to occur more frequently in patients with a normal or lower risk karyotype. Progression to AML was seen in 44 of 80 (55%) patients with ACA versus 67 of 234 (29%) patients without ACA (P < 0.0001). Presence of ACA predicted an inferior leukemia-free survival (LFS) by univariate (P = 0.0435) and multivariate analysis (HR = 1.892, P = 0.006). While acquisition of a complex karyotype was positively correlated with AML progression (P = 0.0086), del(20q) was associated with a stable disease (P = 0.0198). We conclude that ACA occur in ∼20-30% of CMML patients during the course of disease, and are significantly associated with AML progression and a shorter LFS. Karyotypic abnormalities, either present at diagnosis or acquired during the course of disease, have prognostic implication in CMML patients.

Deacetylase inhibitors for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a diverse group of myeloid disorders, with patients being at risk for cytopenias or progression to acute myeloid leukemia. Several classification and prognostic scoring systems have been developed. High-intensity treatments are not appropriate for all patients. Two demethylating agents, azacitidine and decitabine, are approved for the treatment of MDS, although many patients do not derive long-term benefit and eventually progress. Deacetylase inhibitors have emerged as novel treatment candidates based on mechanistic rationale and preliminary data. This article reviews existing data on MDS treatment and discusses the rationale and potential for combination with deacetylase inhibitors.

[Analysis of the karyotype abnormalities and its prognostic in 298 patients with myelodysplastic syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship between cytogenetic markers with World Health Organization (WHO) classification, disease progress and prognosis in cases with primary myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).

METHODS

298 patients with de novo MDS from the first affiliated hospital of medical school, Zhejiang University were enrolled in the retrospective analysis of WHO classification, karyotype, and prognosis. Follow-up study was also conducted.

RESULTS

The WHO classifications at first diagnosis were as follows: refractory cytopenia with unilineage dysplasia (RCUD), 18 cases; refractory anemia with ring sideroblasts (RARS), 8 cases; refractory cytopenia with multiline dysplasia (RCMD), 104 cases; refractory anemia with excess blasts-1, 76 cases; refractory anemia with excess blasts-2, 85 cases; MDS unclassified (MDS-U), 5 cases involved; and single del (5q), 2 cases. 39.6% of MDS patients carried karyotypic abnormalities. Among them, the frequency of numerical abnormalities, structural abnormalities and the existence of composite abnormalities were 45, 31, and 42, respectively. The composite abnormalities were unbalanced translocations and complex chromosomal abnormalities. The incidence of both karyotypic abnormalities and complex chromosomal abnormalities in RAEB group was higher than that in non-RAEB group (P<0. 05). An analysis based on IPSS-R Scoring System showed that advanced risk stratification (except the low-risk group) gradually enhanced the incidence of karyotypic abnormalities (P<0.05). In addition, the probability of evolution to leukemia increased with the higher IPSS-R score (P<0.05). In RAEB group, the cases with +8 chromosome, accounting for 19.5% of karyotypic abnormalities, had worse prognosis than those with normal chromosomes.

CONCLUSION

Karyotype was identified with an independent risk factor in MDS patients. Therefore, the information on cytogenetic analysis was critical for diagnosis, prognosis and individual treatment. MDS patients presenting+8 chromosome, an intermediate risk factor, were associated with a poorer outcome compared to cases with normal chromosomes in RAEB group.

Clinical significance of acquired cytogenetic clones in patients with treated follicular lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Follicular lymphoma (FL) is the second most common B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma worldwide. In most patients, the disease is diagnosed at advanced stages and cannot be cured using conventional therapeutic approaches. To assess the role of cytogenetic abnormalities in therapy-related myeloid neoplasms (tMNs), we studied the clinicopathologic and cytogenetic features of treated FL patients who subsequently developed a new acquired cytogenetic clone (ACC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-five treated FL patients developed new cytogenetic abnormalities from 2009 to 2012. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on the presence and absence of tMNs: group 1, ACC without tMNs after a median follow-up of 15 months; group 2, ACC with possible tMN after silent ACC detection; group 3, tMNs present at the first ACC detection.

RESULTS

The most frequent cytogenetic aberrations involved chromosome 7. Compared with group 1, group 3 had significantly greater size of ACC, higher frequency of chromosome 7 aberrations, more likely showed dysplasia, and lower platelet count (P = .03).

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that the presence of ACC alone is insufficient for diagnosis of tMNs. The proportion of cells with specific aberrations at first ACC, bone marrow dysplasia, and low platelet counts might predict outcome of ACC.

Pathogenesis of myelodysplastic syndromes: an overview of molecular and non-molecular aspects of the disease

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of clonal disorders arising from hematopoietic stem cells generally characterized by inefficient hematopoiesis, dysplasia in one or more myeloid cell lineages, and variable degrees of cytopenias. Most MDS patients are diagnosed in their late 60s to early 70s. The estimated incidence of MDS in the United States and in Europe are 4.3 and 1.8 per 100,000 individuals per year, respectively with lower rates reported in some Asian countries and less well estimated in other parts of the world. Evolution to acute myeloid leukemia can occur in 10-15% of MDS patients. Three drugs are currently approved for the treatment of patients with MDS: immunomodulatory agents (lenalidomide), and hypomethylating therapy [HMT (decitabine and 5-azacytidine)]. All patients will eventually lose their response to therapy, and the survival outcome of MDS patients is poor (median survival of 4.5 months) especially for patients who fail (refractory/relapsed) HMT. The only potential curative treatment for MDS is hematopoietic cell transplantation. Genomic/chromosomal instability and various mechanisms contribute to the pathogenesis and prognosis of the disease. High throughput genetic technologies like single nucleotide polymorphism array analysis and next generation sequencing technologies have uncovered novel genetic alterations and increased our knowledge of MDS pathogenesis. We will review various genetic and non-genetic causes that are involved in the pathogenesis of MDS.

Cytogenetic risk stratification of 417 patients with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia from a single institution

Approximately 30% of patients with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) have karyotypic abnormalities and this low frequency has made using cytogenetic data for the prognostication of CMML patients challenging. Recently, a three-tiered cytogenetic risk stratification system for CMML patients has been proposed by a Spanish study group. Here we assessed the prognostic impact of cytogenetic abnormalities on overall survival (OS) and leukemia-free survival (LFS) in 417 CMML patients from our institution. Overall, the Spanish cytogenetic risk effectively stratified patients into different risk groups, with a median OS of 33 months in the low-, 24 months in intermediate- and 14 months in the high-risk groups. Within the proposed high risk group, however, marked differences in OS were observed. Patients with isolated trisomy 8 showed a median OS of 22 months, similar to the intermediate-risk group (P = 0.132), but significantly better than other patients in the high-risk group (P = 0.018). Furthermore, patients with more than three chromosomal abnormalities showed a significantly shorter OS compared with patients with three abnormalities (8 vs. 15 months, P = 0.004), suggesting possible a separate risk category. If we simply moved trisomy 8 to the intermediate risk category, the modified cytogenetic grouping would provide a better separation of OS and LFS; and its prognostic impact was independent of other risk parameters. Our study results strongly advocate for the incorporation of cytogenetic information in the risk model for CMML.

Myelodysplastic syndromes with 5q deletion: pathophysiology and role of lenalidomide

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a hematopoietic stem cell disorder primarily affecting CD34+ cells, characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis, often transforming into acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). A subset of patients has 5q deletion (del(5q)) as the culprit pathogenetic trigger. Del(5q) affects critical regions 5q31 and 5q33, leading to gene haplodeficiency with subsequent RPS14 haplodeficiency and P53 activation. Subsequent to P53 activation, erythroid cell apoptosis and ineffective erythropoiesis occur. Other pathogenetic elements include protein phosphatase 2a and CDC25C haplodeficiency and decreased miR-145 and miR-146a expression. Lenalidomide is an immunomodulatory agent that selectively suppresses the del(5q) clone. While the mechanism is not fully understood, it is associated with diverse molecular changes including stabilization of MDM2 with subsequent enhanced P53 degradation. Lenalidomide showed success in low- and intermediate-1-risk MDS as reported in the 002, 003, and 004 trials. However, in higher-risk MDS, the results of lenalidomide monotherapy were modest, mandating the use of combination therapy. The role and priority of lenalidomide varies between different guidelines, and accordingly, future efforts are necessary to reach a unified therapeutic algorithm. TP53 mutations are important predictors of AML progression and possible resistance to lenalidomide. It is recommended to identify TP53 mutation early in the disease since it may change the decision regarding choice of therapy. Challenges with lenalidomide therapy remain the long-term effects and timing of its discontinuation.

Gene expression profiling in the myelodysplastic syndromes

The myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a heterogeneous group of haematopoietic malignancies, characterized by blood cytopenias, ineffective hematopoiesis and hypercellular bone marrow. Several genetic alterations have been reported in MDS but these are not MDS-specific and the underlying molecular causes of the disease remain poorly understood. Gene expression microarray technology allows the simultaneous parallel analysis of many thousands of genes and has already provided novel insights into cancer pathogenesis. In this review we discuss the results of several recent studies which utilize the enormous power of microarray technology for the study of MDS. Several exciting findings have emerged from these early studies that highlight the potential of this technology to further our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of this disorder. It is clear, however, that these findings should be confirmed in larger sets of MDS patients.

Characterization and prognostic implication of 17 chromosome abnormalities in myelodysplastic syndrome

The prognosis of chromosome 17 (chr17) abnormalities in patients with primary myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) remains unclear. The revised International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-R) includes these abnormalities within the intermediate cytogenetic risk group. This study assessed the impact on overall survival (OS) and risk of acute myeloid leukemia transformation (AMLt) of chr17 abnormalities in 88 patients with primary MDS. We have compared this group with 1346 patients with primary MDS and abnormal karyotype without chr17 involved. The alterations of chr17 should be considered within group of poor prognosis. The different types of alterations of chromosome 17 behave different prognosis. The study confirms the intermediate prognostic impact of the i(17q), as stated in IPSS-R. The results of the study, however, provide valuable new information on the prognostic impact of alterations of chromosome 17 in complex karyotypes.