[WHO classification of myeloid neoplasms]

Area of Science:

• Hematopathology
• Molecular Diagnostics
• Oncology

Background:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) diagnostic criteria for hematologic neoplasms require periodic updates.
• Previous criteria lacked comprehensive integration of molecular genetic markers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To revise the WHO diagnostic criteria for myeloid and lymphoid neoplasms.
• To incorporate new molecular genetic markers for improved biological classification.
• To address the evolving diagnostic landscape in hematopathology.

Main Methods:

• Convened advisory committees of 100+ pathologists, hematologists, oncologists, and geneticists.
• Reviewed and updated diagnostic criteria based on new scientific insights.
• Integrated molecular techniques like fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and next-generation sequencing (NGS).

Main Results:

• Revised WHO classification criteria for myeloid and lymphoid neoplasms were established.
• New molecular genetic markers were incorporated, aiding diagnostic and prognostic assessments.
• The diagnostic process became more multimodal, integrating morphology, immunophenotyping, clinical data, FISH, and NGS.

Conclusions:

• The updated WHO criteria offer a more biologically meaningful classification of hematologic neoplasms.
• Hematopathological diagnostics are now more complex, requiring integration of advanced molecular techniques.
• Increased differentiation leads to more labor-intensive and cost-intensive diagnostic procedures.