All content on this site is intended for healthcare professionals only. By acknowledging this message and accessing the information on this website you are confirming that you are a Healthcare Professional. If you are a patient or carer, please visit the MPN Advocates Network.
Introducing
Now you can personalise
your MPN Hub experience!
Bookmark content to read later
Select your specific areas of interest
View content recommended for you
Find out moreThe MPN Hub website uses a third-party service provided by Google that dynamically translates web content. Translations are machine generated, so may not be an exact or complete translation, and the MPN Hub cannot guarantee the accuracy of translated content. The MPN Hub and its employees will not be liable for any direct, indirect, or consequential damages (even if foreseeable) resulting from use of the Google Translate feature. For further support with Google Translate, visit Google Translate Help.
The recent revision of the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of myeloid neoplasms 4th edition has generated two separate classification schemes for the diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN); the International Consensus Classification (ICC) and the WHO classification 5th edition both provide valuable diagnostic guidance for healthcare professionals; however, diagnostic discordance may arise from the application of different classification models.
Recently, Benton et al.1 published a report in Journal of Clinical Pathology reviewing 64 patients diagnosed with MPN/MDS using both schemes and assessing diagnostic inconsistencies to highlight significant differences between the models. Here, we highlight the key findings in the article.
Figure 1. Patient cases with nominal diagnostic differences*
ET, essential thrombocythemia; ICC, International Consensus Classification; MDS, myelodysplastic syndrome; MPN, myeloproliferative neoplasm; pCT, post cytotoxic therapy; RS, ringed sideroblasts; T, thrombocytosis; TRMN, treatment-related myeloid neoplasm; U, unclassifiable; WHO, World Health Organization.
*Adapted from Benton, et al.1
Figure 2. Patient case with a significant diagnostic difference*
CML, chronic myeloid leukemia; ICC, International Consensus Classification; MDS, myelodysplastic syndrome; MPN, myeloproliferative neoplasm; N, neutrophilia; U, unclassifiable; WHO, World Health Organization.
*Adapted from Benton, et al.1
Although not immediately clinically significant, the diagnostic discrepancies highlighted have the potential to increase physician workload and cause unnecessary confusion for healthcare professionals and patients alike. There is potential for long-term challenges to arise which will impact on clinical trial eligibility and treatment disparities. Resolution of these issues is important to avoid confusion and ensure standardized practices, enabling optimal patient outcomes.
Your opinion matters
Subscribe to get the best content related to MPN delivered to your inbox