Myelodysplastic Syndrome/Myeloproliferative Neoplasm (MDS/MPN) Overlap Syndromes: Molecular Pathogenetic Mechanisms and Their Implications

Abstract

The MDS/MPN overlap syndromes are recently evolved entities that have been quite difficult to define since their discovery. They have overlapping features with other myeloid neoplasms such as MDS and MPN, which further complicates the task of their diagnosis. The unravelling of their molecular pathogenesis by recent diagnostic innovations was of paramount significance in understanding the mechanism of these syndromes. The identification of the major genetic pathways implicated in their pathogenesis not only will help in their diagnosis, but also will enable development of targeted molecular therapy as well as prognostic markers. This review discus the basic molecular aberrations in MDS/MPN overlap syndromes and their possible future implications.