Myeloid Neoplasms with Germline Predisposition: A New Provisional Entity Within the World Health Organization Classification

Surg Pathol Clin. 2016 Mar;9(1):165-76. doi: 10.1016/j.path.2015.09.010.

Abstract

The forthcoming update of the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of hematopoietic neoplasms will feature "Myeloid Neoplasms with Germline Predisposition" as a new provisional diagnostic entity. This designation will be applied to some cases of acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome arising in the setting of constitutional mutations that render patients susceptible to the development of myeloid malignancies. For the diagnostic pathologist, recognizing these cases and confirming the diagnosis will demand a sophisticated grasp of clinical genetics and molecular techniques. This article presents a concise review of this new provisional WHO entity, including strategies for clinical practice.

Keywords: Acute myeloid leukemia; Familial cancer; Germline predisposition mutation; Myelodysplastic syndrome.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Genetic Testing
  • Germ-Line Mutation*
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / diagnosis
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / genetics
  • Myelodysplastic Syndromes / diagnosis*
  • Myelodysplastic Syndromes / genetics*
  • Neoplasm Proteins / genetics
  • Neoplastic Syndromes, Hereditary / diagnosis
  • Neoplastic Syndromes, Hereditary / genetics
  • World Health Organization

Substances

  • Neoplasm Proteins