Molecular Diagnosis of Hematopoietic Neoplasms: 2018 Update

Diagnosis of hematologic malignancies have matured to encompass molecular as well as phenotypic characteristics. Cytogenetic abnormalities are considered common events in this regard. These abnormalities generally consist of structural chromosomal abnormalities or gene mutations, which often are integral to the pathogenesis and subsequent evolution of an individual malignancy. Improvements made in identifying and interpreting these molecular alterations have resulted in advances in the diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring, and therapy for cancer. As a consequence of the increasingly important role of molecular testing in hematologic malignancy management, this article presents an update on the importance and use of molecular tests, detailing the advantages and disadvantages of each test when applicable.