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Leukocytosis and MPNs: Where do we stand?
1Department of Hematology/Oncology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
Abstract:
The Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs)-essential thrombocythemia (ET), polycythemia vera (PV) and myelofibrosis (MF), are characterized by a propensity for thrombotic events and variable risks for transformation to MF (for ET and PV) and acute leukemia. Leukocytosis, which serves a minor criterion for the diagnosis of MF, is present in a significant portion of patients with MPNs. The relation and impact of leukocytosis on disease course and outcomes of patients with MPNs has been studied in multiple, large retrospective and prospective studies. Despite this, the association of leukocytosis and thrombosis, fibrosis and leukemic transformation remains unclear. This article details the published investigations regarding the impact of leukocytosis in MPNs and explores the changing role of leukocytosis in disease prognostication as increasing emphasis is placed on molecular and genetic studies.
Insights
Leukocytosis is common in Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) but its impact on thrombosis, fibrosis, and leukemia risk remains unclear. Further research is needed to clarify its role in MPN prognostication.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
Background:
- Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), including essential thrombocythemia (ET), polycythemia vera (PV), and myelofibrosis (MF), are associated with thrombotic events and transformation risks.
- Leukocytosis is a diagnostic criterion for MF and is observed in many MPN patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and analyze published investigations on the impact of leukocytosis in MPNs.
- To explore the evolving role of leukocytosis in disease prognostication within the context of molecular and genetic studies.
Main Methods:
- Review of multiple large retrospective and prospective studies.
- Analysis of existing literature on leukocytosis in MPNs.
Main Results:
- The association between leukocytosis and thrombosis, fibrosis, and leukemic transformation in MPNs is not definitively established.
- Leukocytosis is a recognized factor in MPN diagnosis and patient populations.
Conclusions:
- The precise impact of leukocytosis on MPN outcomes requires further elucidation.
- The prognostic significance of leukocytosis is being re-evaluated alongside advancements in molecular and genetic profiling of MPNs.
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