Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 31, 2026
Database-guided Flow-cytometry for Evaluation of Bone Marrow Myeloid Cell Maturation
Published on: November 3, 2018
The myelodysplastic syndromes flow cytometric score: a three-parameter prognostic flow cytometric scoring system
C Alhan1, T M Westers1, E M P Cremers1
1Department of Hematology, Cancer Center Amsterdam (CCA), VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
The prognosis of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) is currently estimated by using the revised International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-R). Several studies have shown that further refinement of prognostication for MDS can be achieved by adding flow cytometric parameters. However, widespread implementation of flow cytometry for the prognosis of MDS is hampered by complexity of the analysis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to construct a robust and practical flow cytometric score that could be implemented as a routine procedure. To achieve this, bone marrow aspirates of 109 MDS patients were analyzed by flow cytometry. A second cohort consisting of 103 MDS patients was used to validate the MDS flow cytometric score (MFS). The parameters forming the MFS were sideward light scatter and CD117 expression of myeloid progenitor cells and CD13 expression on monocytes. Three MFS risk categories were formed. Patients with MDS and intermediate MFS scores had significantly better overall survival (OS) compared with the patients with high MFS scores. The MFS further refined prognostication within the IPSS-R low-risk category, by identifying patients with worse OS in case of high MFS. In conclusion, a practical three parameter flow cytometric prognostic score was constructed enabling further refinement of prognostication of MDS.
Insights
A new flow cytometric score (MFS) refines prognosis for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), improving upon the IPSS-R. This practical tool enhances risk stratification, especially within lower-risk MDS categories.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Clinical Pathology
Background:
- Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) prognosis is typically assessed using the revised International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-R).
- Flow cytometry offers potential for improved MDS prognostication, but its complexity limits routine use.
- A need exists for a practical, robust flow cytometric score for MDS risk stratification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a practical flow cytometric score for refining MDS prognosis.
- To create a score that can be implemented as a routine diagnostic procedure.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of bone marrow aspirates from 109 MDS patients using flow cytometry.
- Validation of the developed MDS Flow cytometric Score (MFS) in a separate cohort of 103 MDS patients.
- Identification of key parameters: myeloid progenitor sideward light scatter, CD117 expression, and monocyte CD13 expression.
Main Results:
- The MFS was constructed using three flow cytometric parameters.
- Three distinct MFS risk categories were established.
- Patients with intermediate MFS scores demonstrated significantly better overall survival (OS) than those with high MFS scores.
- The MFS refined prognostication within the IPSS-R low-risk category, identifying patients with poorer OS.
Conclusions:
- A practical, three-parameter flow cytometric prognostic score (MFS) for MDS has been developed.
- The MFS enables further refinement of prognostic assessment in MDS.
- This score has the potential for routine implementation to improve patient risk stratification and management.
More Related Videos
09:01Flow Cytometry to Estimate Leukemia Stem Cells in Primary Acute Myeloid Leukemia and in Patient-derived-xenografts, at Diagnosis and Follow Up
Published on: March 26, 2018
06:39Use of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation to Assess the Origin of Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Published on: October 3, 2018
