The search for better prognostic models in myelodysplastic syndromes

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of heterogeneous bone marrow disorders characterized by a failure of hematopoiesis and an increased propensity for transformation to acute myeloid leukemia. Determining the prognosis of patients with MDS is essential for discerning the best therapy, which can vary from supportive care to allogeneic stem cell transplantation. The most widely used prognostic model in MDS is the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS), which estimates survival and risk of transformation to acute myeloid leukemia based on the percentage of blasts, karyotype, and number of cytopenias, but the IPSS has several limitations that preclude more widespread application. Over the past decade, several studies have reported on new prognostic factors for MDS, including transfusion dependency and DNA methylation abnormalities. More recently, two prognostic models for MDS that aim to overcome the limitations of the IPSS have been published. This review focuses on the most recent advances in this field, detailing current prognostic models and the more important risk factors in MDS.