The Molecular Pathology of Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Abstract

The diagnosis and classification of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are based on cytomorphology and cytogenetics (WHO classification). Prognosis is best defined by the Revised International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-R). In recent years, an increasing number of molecular aberrations have been discovered. They are already included in the classification (e.g., SF3B1) and, more importantly, have emerged as valuable markers for better classification, particularly for defining risk groups. Mutations in genes such as SF3B1 and IDH1/2 have already had an impact on targeted treatment approaches in MDS.