The International Consensus Classification (ICC) updated in 2022 the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of hematopoietic tumors (2016 revision of the 4th edition WHO classification). Although the major categories of myeloid neoplasms remained unchanged from the prior WHO classification, many disease entities including those in the myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) and myelodysplastic syndrome/myeloproliferative neoplasm (MDS/MPN) categories underwent updates. For all these disease subtypes, a careful integration of clinicopathologic findings and molecular data led to improved diagnostic definitions. Although the classification of MPNs received only minor changes, these included a simpler definition of accelerated phase of chronic myeloid leukemia. For the MDS/MPN group, in addition to the presence of one or more increased peripheral blood cell counts as evidence of myeloproliferative features, concomitant cytopenia as evidence of ineffective hematopoiesis is now an explicit diagnostic requirement for all the entities included in this category. The presence of specific mutations in the appropriate clinicopathologic context is now included in the diagnostic criteria for some of the MPN and MDS/MPN entities. This review aims to briefly discuss the diagnostic approach to MPNs and MDS/MPNs according to the ICC.

"Nonclassical" myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) and myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms (MDS/ MPNs) represent a heterogeneous group of malignancies characterized by a wide range of clinical manifestations. Unlike classical MPNs, there is no standardized management approach for these conditions, particularly concerning the indications for and management of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. To address this gap, the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) Practice Harmonization and Guidelines (PH&G) Committee and the Chronic Malignancies Working Party (CMWP) have collaborated to develop shared guidelines aimed at optimizing the selection and management of patients with these rare forms of neoplasms. A comprehensive review of the literature from the publication of the revised fourth edition of the (2016) World Health Organization classification onward was conducted. A multidisciplinary group of experts in the field convened to produce this document, which was developed through multiple rounds of draft circulation. Key recommendations include the early identification of potential transplant candidates, particularly in cases of chronic neutrophilic leukemia, chronic eosinophilic leukemia (CEL)/CEL, not otherwise specified (CEL-NOS), myeloid/lymphoid neoplasm with eosinophilia and tyrosine kinase gene fusions with FGFR1, JAK2, ABL1, and FLT3 rearrangements, MDS/MPN with neutrophilia/atypical chronic myeloid leukemia, and MDS/MPN, NOS. For patients with MPN, NOS/MPN unclassifiable, standard recommendations for myelofibrosis should be applied. Similarly, in MDS/MPN with thrombocytosis, transplantation is recommended on the basis of established MDS guidelines. Given the current lack of robust evidence, this document will serve as a valuable resource to guide future research activities, providing a framework for addressing critical unanswered questions and advancing the field.

The World Health Organization (WHO) 5th Edition and International Consensus Classification (ICC) have continued to delineate more genetically defined acute leukemias. Both recognize genetic aberrations associated with myelodysplastic syndromes/neoplasms (MDS) as defining MDS-related AML (AML-MR). Mutations in RUNX1 are included in this category in the ICC, but not WHO. The current classifications are unclear on how acute leukemias with ambiguous lineage (ALAL), including those of mixed lineage (MPAL) and those without a defined lineage (AUL), should be categorized in the presence of such mutations. Our multi-institutional study aims to determine the significance of RUNX1 mutation in ALAL compared to de novo AML. Newly diagnosed MPAL, AUL, and AML with RUNX1 mutations were collected. ALAL with MDS-related cytogenetics, BCR::ABL1, KMT2A rearrangements, or ZNF384 or BCL11b abnormalities were excluded. We analyzed 17 cases of ALAL and 71 cases of AML that met inclusion criteria. ALAL-RUNX1 and AML-RUNX1 showed overlapping mutational landscapes with frequent comutations in MDS-associated genes. No ALAL-RUNX1 or AML-RUNX1 cases showed concomitant TP53 mutation. ALAL-RUNX1 had more bone marrow blasts and more karyotypic abnormalities; however, neither impacted survival, nor did RUNX1 variant allele frequency (VAF). Survival analysis revealed similarly poor outcomes between them. AML-directed therapies and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant trended toward improved survival in ALAL-RUNX1; however, it did not reach significance. Our results suggest ALAL-RUNX1 is associated with younger age, higher blasts, and more karyotypic abnormalities, but has similar clinical and genetic features and outcomes to AML-RUNX1. Our findings suggest, like other MR mutations, RUNX1-mutated ALALs should be included within AML-MR.

Background: TP53-mutated myeloid neoplasms (MNs) represent one of the most lethal subgroups of blood cancers. The World Health Organization (WHO-5) recognize TP53-mutated (TP53mut) myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and International Consensus Classification (ICC) recognize TP53mut MDS and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) as distinct disease entities, acknowledging their dismal prognosis and the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies. However, key discrepancies exist between the classifications, creating uncertainty in diagnosis, influencing therapeutic decisions, and complicating clinical trial enrolment for patients with uniformly poor survival. Importantly, neither classifications included TP53-mutated myelofibrosis (MF), other myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), and MDS/MPN overlap syndromes, despite growing evidence that these cases carry similar adverse outcomes. To address these critical gaps, we conducted a comprehensive analysis across the full spectrum of TP53-mutated MN. Methods: We included TP53mut cases with variant allele frequency (VAF ≥2%) of AML, MDS, MDS/MPN overlap, myelofibrosis and other MPN managed at the Mayo clinic (Rochester, USA) and Local Health Network in South Australia (Australia). Cases were classified according to the revised 4th edition WHO classification (WHO-4R). Biallelic TP53 loss was defined as: (i) ≥2 mutations with VAF ≥2%; (ii) single TP53mut with VAF ≥2% plus 17p loss on karyotype, FISH, or SNP array; or (iii) single TP53mut with VAF ≥50% with or without 17p loss. Monoallelic loss was defined as a single TP53mut with VAF <50% without 17p loss or copy neutral loss of heterozygosity. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS) from diagnosis, censored at allogeneic transplantation. Conditional inference tree analysis was performed to define the effect of individual predictors on OS. Results: We identified 853 TP53mutMN cases including WHO-4R-defined AML (BM/PB blasts ≥20%, n=314; 36.8%), MDS with excess blasts-2 (EB-2; BM 10–19% or PB 5–19%, n=129; 15.1%), MDS-EB-1 (BM 5–9% or PB 2–4%, n=100; 11.7%), and MDS with low blasts (LB; BM <5% and PB <1%, n=228; 26.7%). MF included chronic phase (MF-CP, n=48; 5.6%), accelerated phase (MF-AP, n=7; 0.8%), and blast phase (MF-BP, n=17; 2.0%). Additional cases comprised other MPN-chronic phase (n=3, 0.4%) and MDS/MPN overlap syndromes (n=7, 0.8%). Of 848 evaluable TP53mut MN, 616 (72.6%) harbored biallelic TP53 loss and 232 (27.4%) had monoallelic loss, with 42.4% (n=98) of monoallelic cases harboring a complex karyotype (CK). Biallelic loss was highly prevalent in AML (83.1%), MDS (70.4%), and MDS/MPN overlap (71.4%), but was less frequent in cases with MPN (33.3%) and MF-chronic phase (25.0%). Across the spectrum, the frequency of biallelic loss increased stepwise with disease progression, rising from MDS-LB (62.8%) to MDS-EB1 (76.0%), MDS-EB2 (79.5%), AML (83.1%), and MF-AP/BP (79.2%) (P<0.0001). In multivariable analysis, WHO-4R category, TP53mut VAF, biallelic loss and CK were independent predictors of poor survival in TP53mut MN. Conditional inference tree analysis stratified the cohort into seven prognostic groups with distinct median OS: (1) AML, MF-BP/AP, and MDS/MPN overlap regardless of mono/biallelic and CK status (n=335, 39.7%; median OS 4.0 months); (2) MDS-EB1/EB2 with biallelic loss or monoallelic plus CK (n=212, 25.1%; 7.2 months); (3) MDS-LB, MF-CP and MPN with CK (n=156, 18.5%, OS 10.2 months); (4) biallelic MDS-LB (n=28, 3.3%; OS 15.6 months), (5) monoallelic MDS-EB1/EB2 without CK (n=20, 2.4%; OS 26.2 months), (6) monoallelic MDS-LB without CK (n=57, 6.7%; OS 33.4 months), and (7) MF-CP and other MPN without CK (n=36, 4.3%; OS 37.0 months). This analysis defines a clear stepwise risk gradient, identifying subsets with extremely poor prognosis versus a relatively indolent disease. Conclusions: This is the first study to evaluate the prognostic impact of TP53mut MN across the entire MN spectrum, providing a framework for future refinement of TP53-driven disease classification. Key findings include: (i) MF-AP/BP and MDS/MPN overlap exhibit survival outcomes as dismal as AML, irrespective of the TP53 allele status; and (ii) complex karyotype is a surrogate for “biallelic equivalent”, refining risk interpretation in monoallelic cases. Overall, our study defines seven prognostic subgroups spanning all TP53mut MN, offering a foundation for risk-adapted clinical trial design and future classification updates.

e18590 Background: TP53 mutations ( TP53 MUT ) are known to be associated with adverse prognosis in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and multihit TP53 MUT in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). The prognostic relevance of multihit TP53 MUT in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) was recently highlighted. The current study illustrates survival comparisons in multihit TP53- mutated MPN vs. AML and analysis of associated risk factors. Methods: A Mayo Clinic enterprise-wide database search identified 61 MPN and 81 AML cases with multihit TP53 MUT . Conventional statistical methods were used for analyses. Results: 142 patients with multihit TP53 MUT were included: i) chronic phase MPN (MPN-CP; N=19), ii) accelerated phase MPN (MPN-AP; N=14), iii) blast phase MPN (MPN-BP; N=28) and iv) AML, not including MPN-BP (N=81). Concomitant ASXL1 MUT , EZH2 MUT , IDH1 MUT and IDH2 MUT were more common in MPN-BP, compared to AML. At a median follow up of 0.6 years, 124 (87%) deaths and 19 (13%) allogeneic stem cell transplantations (ASCT) were documented. Overall survival (OS), calculated from time of TP53 MUT detection was similar between MPN-BP (median 4.6 months) and MPN-AP (5.6 months; p=0.5). OS in MPN-BP/AP (median 4.8 months) was inferior to that of AML (median 7.4 months; p=0.04) while that of MPN-CP (median 11.6 months) was similar to AML (0.07) but superior to that of MPN-BP/AP (p<0.01). Age-adjusted multivariable analysis (MVA) confirmed the independent prognostic significance of undergoing ASCT (HR 0.4, p=0.03), MPN-CP or achieving response to pre-transplant therapy (HR 0.2, p<0.01), and concurrent TET2 MUT or DNMT3A MUT (HR 2.7, p<0.01) on OS. Based on these risk factors, a 3-tiered risk model was constructed: low (no risk factors; N=18; median OS 23.8 months); intermediate (1 risk factor; N=44; median 11.1 months); and high (2 or more risk factors; N=80; median 4 months; p<0.01). Comparative analysis of risk factors among distinct diseases confirmed the prognostic significance of ASCT (HR 0.3, p=0.03), achieving response to pre-transplant therapy (0.4, p<0.01) and concurrent TET2 MUT or DNMT3A MUT (HR 5.0, p<0.01) in AML. In MPN AP/BP, OS was influenced by having received chemotherapy vs. supportive care (HR 0.1; p<0.01) and achieving response to pre-transplant therapy (0.2, p<0.01). No significant risk factors for OS were identified in MPN-CP. In MVA, ASCT did not appear to influence OS in MPN AP/BP (p=0.7) and MPN-CP (p=0.4) but the number of informative cases was too low to make definitive conclusions. Conclusions: The current study highlights the equally detrimental impact of multihit TP53 MUT in securing long-term survival in MPN and AML. Short-term survival was positively influenced by ASCT, at least in AML, and disease stage or remission status at time of mutation detection and ASCT, respectively.

Background: The International Consensus Classification (ICC) for systemic mastocytosis (SM) recognizes mast cell leukemia (MCL) and SM with associated myeloid neoplasm (SM-AMN) as distinct categories of advanced SM (SM-Adv; Arber et al. Blood 2022;140:1200). Contemporary risk models in SM, including the Mayo Alliance Prognostic System (MAPS), do not account for the prognostic heterogeneity among ICC-defined SM-Adv subcategories. Methods: Mayo Clinic databases were utilized to access patient information. Diagnoses of SM and its morphological subcategories were confirmed through clinical evaluations and review of BM pathology. Diagnostic criteria were retrospectively fitted to be consistent with those of the ICC (Arber et al. Blood 2022;140:1200); diagnosis of MCL required the presence of immature cytomorphology of mast cells and only myeloid neoplasms were listed under the category of SM-AMN.Next-generation sequencing and cytogenetic studies was performed in a subset of the study patients according to previously described methodologies. Statistical analyses were conducted on clinical and laboratory data collected at the time of initial diagnosis while survival analysis was censored at the time of allogeneic stem cell transplant (ASCT). Results: A total of 910 Mayo Clinic patients with SM (median age 56 years, range 12-89; males 50%) were accessed in order to conduct a series of multivariable analyses (MVA) in search of independent risk factors for transplant-censored overall survival (OS). All patients were evaluable for assignment to specific ICC categories of SM: indolent (ISM; N=553), aggressive (ASM; N=114), SM-AMN (N=235), and MCL (N=8); the AMN components in SM-AMN included acute myeloid leukemia (N=18), chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (N=70), myelodysplastic syndromes (N=32), MDS/myeloproliferative overlap (N=81), myelofibrosis (N=7), polycythemia vera or essential thrombocythemia (PV/ET; N=19), and others (N=8). In addition, subsets of patients were evaluable for hemoglobin level (N= 865), white blood cell count (WBC; N=858), platelet count (N= 859), serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP; N=761), serum tryptase level (N=706), karyotype (N=574), and mutations (N=240). Median follow-up for living patients was 70 months (range, 0-520); during this time 346 (38%) deaths, 16 leukemic transformations, and 20 ASCTs were documented. ROC analysis-determined optimal cutoff levels for predicting OS included age at ≥60 years, platelet count <150 x 109/L, tryptase level ≥100 ng/mL, WBC ≥10 x 109/L, hemoglobin below sex-adjusted lower limit of normal (anemia), and ALP >210 U/L in women or >170 U/L in men (increased). All except WBC ≥10 x 109/L retained significance during MVA that included ICC-specified SM categories: MCL (HR 74.8, 26.0-215.3; p<0.01); SM-AMN (HR 3.9, 2.5-6.0; p<0.01); ASM (HR 2.2, 1.4-3.5; p<0.01); age ≥60 years (HR 3.3, 2.2-4.7; p<0.01); platelets <150 x 109/L (HR 2.8, 2.0-3.9; p<0.01); tryptase ≥100 ng/mL (HR 2.1, 1.5-2.9; p<0.01); anemia (HR 1.7, 1.1-2.4; p<0.01); and increased ALP (HR1.5, 1.1-2.0; p=0.01). A subsequent HR-weighted risk model effectively delineated 5 risk levels ranging in median survivals from 11 months to 372 months (Figure 1). Figure 2 outlines complementary subtype-specific risk models; to that end, risk factors for ISM included age ≥60 years (HR 4.5, 2.5-7.9), tryptase ≥100 ng/mL (HR 3.5, 2.1-6.0); platelets <150 x 109/L (HR 3.4, 1.5-7.9), and anemia (HR 2.4, 1.2-4.8); for ASM age ≥60 years (HR 2.3, 1.3-4.3), platelets <150 x 109/L (HR 2.4, 1.4-4.0), and anemia (HR 2.0, 1.2-3.4); and for SM-AMN age ≥60 years (HR 2.9, 1.6-5.2), platelets <150 x 109/L (HR 2.5, 1.6-3.9), and tryptase ≥100 ng/mL (HR 2.5, 1.6-3.9) [Figure 2]. In SM-AMN, additional prognostic relevance from subcategorization into PV/ET vs. all other types of AMN was appreciated (Figure 3; HR 4.0, 1.6-3.9) and incorporated into the risk model for SM-AMN (Figure 2). Abnormal karyotype (AK) and high risk mutations(HRM; ASXL1, SRSF2, RUNX1, NRAS)clustered withSM-AMN with AK and ASXL1MUT displaying independent prognostic relevance that was most apparent in SM-AMN. Conclusions : MAPS-R relies on the prognostic eminence of ICC-defined morphologic subcategories and allows for additional SM subtype-specific risk stratification. SM associated with ET or PV is a prognostically unique subcategory of SM-AMN and should be recognized as such in future classification schemes. SM-AMN must be thoroughly ruled out in the presence of AK or HRM.

A lively discussion persists regarding the diagnostic criteria for essential thrombocythemia (ET), primary myelofibrosis (PMF) and polycythemia vera (PV), particularly in relation to early/pre-fibrotic myelofibrosis (pre-PMF), a disease entity initially introduced in 2001 by the 3rd edition of the World Health Organization (WHO) classification. The definition and criteria used to diagnose pre-PMF have been progressively modified over time. The most update definition of pre-PMF can be found in the International Consensus Classification (ICC) published in 2022. An updated largely similar definition is also incorporated in the recently published 5th edition of WHO classification (2024). Diagnostic criteria for ET have undergone changes up to 2016/17 for the revised 4th edition of the WHO. In particular the threshold value for platelets were lowered and the important discrimination between “true” and “false” ET (in reality pre-PMF) been widely acknowledged. To avoid misdiagnose in early phase PV, the criteria for gender-adjusted thresholds for hemoglobin/ hematocrit have been lowered and the identification of an appropriate bone marrow (BM) morphology was upgraded as a major diagnostic criterion. Given the prominent role of morphology in MPN-related diagnostic algorithms, the diagnostic adequacy of the BM biopsy (sample procurement and proper laboratory handling) as emphasized in former WHO editions and in the ICC, was not addressed by the WHO 5th. The essential role of genetic markers is recognized by both classifications. A comparison between the revised 4th edition WHO classification and the ICC versus the WHO 5th reveals no significant differences, with the exception of the occurrence of leukoerythroblastosis in pre-PMF considered by the latter as one of the minor diagnostic criteria which seems unwarranted. In contrast to the revised 4th edition, the majority of the microscopic images used for the WHO 5th due to their low magnification and poor technique, do not highlight the diagnosis differences among these entities.

OBJECTIVE:The successful diagnosis and classification of lymphoid neoplasms in blood and bone marrow is the responsibility of the practicing pathologist. This guide provides a general "roadmap" for this process, from initial case recognition to final classification. METHODS:The integration of hematologic, morphologic, immunophenotypic, and genetic features for the full spectrum of precursor and mature B-cell, T-cell, and natural killer-cell neoplasms that typically manifest in blood and bone marrow is included. RESULTS:Classification systems for lymphoid neoplasms provide criteria for pathologists to render a diagnosis that is optimal for patient care, treatment, and outcome prediction. CONCLUSIONS:This guide provides diagnostic strategies for lymphoid neoplasms encountered in blood and bone marrow specimens using both the International Consensus Classification and the World Health Organization fifth edition classification systems. Key tips are provided for each entity along with testing requirements, differential diagnosis, nonneoplastic mimics, and other unique features based on the experience of the Bone Marrow Pathology Group members.

Importance:Essential thrombocythemia, a clonal myeloproliferative neoplasm with excessive platelet production, is associated with an increased risk of thrombosis and bleeding. The annual incidence rate of essential thrombocythemia in the US is 1.5/100 000 persons. Observations:Patients with essential thrombocythemia have a persistent platelet count of 450 × 109/L or greater. The differential diagnosis includes myeloproliferative neoplasms (polycythemia vera, primary myelofibrosis, chronic myeloid leukemia); inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus; infections; splenectomy; iron deficiency anemia; and solid tumors such as lung cancer. Approximately 90% of individuals with essential thrombocythemia have genetic variants that upregulate the JAK-STAT (signal transducer and activator of transcription 5) signaling pathway, including Janus kinase 2 (JAK2, 64%), calreticulin (CALR, 23%), and myeloproliferative leukemia virus oncogene (MPL, 4%). The median age at diagnosis of essential thrombocythemia is 59 years. The median overall survival exceeds 35 years in those diagnosed at 40 years or younger. Patients with essential thrombocythemia are at increased risk of arterial thrombosis (11%), venous thrombosis (7%), and hemorrhagic complications (8%). Thrombosis risk is increased among those with a history of thrombosis, age older than 60 years, a JAK2 gene variant, and cardiovascular risk factors (eg, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemias, tobacco use). Use of aspirin (81-100 mg/d) is suggested for most patients with essential thrombocythemia to lower thrombosis risk. In a retrospective study of 300 affected patients with a low thrombosis risk (younger than 60 years with no prior thrombosis), those not taking aspirin (100 mg/d) had a risk of arterial thrombosis of 9.4/1000 patient-years and a venous thrombosis risk of 8.2/1000 patient years; cardiovascular risk factors were associated with a higher risk of arterial thrombi (incidence rate ratio, 2.5 [95% CI, 1.02-6.1]), and a JAK2 gene variant was associated with increased risk of venous thrombosis (incidence rate ratio, 4.0 [95% CI, 1.2-12.9]). In a randomized trial of 114 patients at higher risk for thrombosis (age older than 60 years or a prior thrombotic event), cytoreduction with hydroxyurea significantly lowered the risk of arterial or venous thrombotic events compared with no cytoreductive therapy (3.6% vs 24%; P < .01). At a median of 8.5 years from diagnosis, approximately 10% of patients with essential thrombocythemia develop myelofibrosis and about 3% develop acute myeloid leukemia. Conclusions:Essential thrombocythemia is a rare clonal myeloproliferative neoplasm associated with an increased risk of venous and arterial thrombosis, hemorrhage, myelofibrosis, and acute myeloid leukemia. Based on individual risk factors for thrombosis, persons with essential thrombocythemia may be treated with low-dose aspirin, either alone or in combination with a cytoreductive drug such as hydroxyurea.

Systemic mastocytosis with an associated myeloid neoplasm (SM-AMN) represents a diagnostic challenge. The first section of the XVI European Bone Marrow Working Group Workshop, held in Barcelona, Spain, in 2023, focused on such cases. Three main lessons were learned from the workshop. First, both the SM and the AMN components can mask each other. Second, because of their overlapping clinical and laboratory findings, it is usually impossible to recognize advanced systemic mastocytosis within an SM-AMN. In other words, unless the International Consensus Classification "C" findings were clearly caused by the SM, for purposes of classification, the SM component was regarded as not advanced. The distinction between indolent and smoldering SM was impossible, but the presence of mast cell leukemia as the SM component is usually recognizable and should be reported. Finally, the presence of myeloid gene mutations (other than KIT) were strongly associated with SM-AMN. These variations include SRFS2-p95, biallelic (double) TET2 or a TET2 mutation combined with an SRSF2 variation to identify chronic myelomonocytic leukemia associated with SM. Additional diagnostic issues included disease progression in the SM or the AMN component, the distinction between SM-AMN and acute myeloid leukemia with partial mast cell differentiation (aka, myelomastocytic leukemia), and rare types of disease proliferations occurring in SM-AMN.

e18596 Background: The International Consensus (ICC), but not the 5 th edition of the WHO classification (WHO5), distinguishes mature from immature mast cell leukemia (MCL) and systemic mastocytosis (SM) associated with myeloid neoplasm (SM-AMN) from SM associated with myeloid or lymphoid neoplasm (SM-AHN). The objectives of the current study were i) to assess prognostic input from disease classification by ICC vs. WHO5, and ii) to compare the predictive performance of the Mayo Alliance Prognostic scoring (MAPS) with other prognostic models and its prognostic interaction with the ICC-based morphologic classification. Methods: Study patients met diagnostic criteria per ICC/WHO5. MAPS risk variables included i) age >60 years, ii) hemoglobin below sex-adjusted lower limit of normal, iii) platelets <150 × 10⁹/L, iv) alkaline phosphatase above upper limit of normal, and v) advanced, including MCL, SM-AMN, and aggressive (ASM) vs. indolent/smoldering (ISM/SSM) SM. ICC-defined MCL includes only MCL-immature whereas WHO-defined MCL includes both MCL-immature and MCL-mature. WHO-defined SM-AHN includes SM-AMN and SM associated with lymphoid neoplasm (SM-ALN). Results: 910 Mayo Clinic patients with SM were diagnosed between 1968 and 2024 (median age 56 years). ICC categories were ISM/SSM (N=552), ASM (N=115), SM-AMN (N=235), and MCL (N=8). At median follow-up of 4 years, 345 (38%) deaths and 35 (3.8%) leukemic transformations were documented. Overall survival (OS) predictive performance at 5 years was superior with ICC (AUC 0.85), compared to WHO5 (AUC 0.83); median survival was 24.3 years in ISM/SSM, 5.8 years for ASM, 2.0 years for SM-AMN, 2.3 years for SM-AHN, 1.8 years for MCL-mature and 0.08 years for MCL-immature; the difference in OS was significant between MCL-immature and SM-AMN (p<0.01) but not between MCL-mature and SM-AHN (p=0.3). Similarly, OS was similar between MCL-mature and ASM (p=0.8) and between SM-ALN and ASM (p=0.08) but different between MCL-immature and ASM (p<0.01), SM-AMN and ASM (p<0.01), and MCL-mature and MCL-immature (p<0.01). Predictive performance at 5 years was superior with MAPS (AUC 0.91) and MAPS-molecular (AUC 0.91), compared to the mutation-adjusted risk score (MARS; AUC 0.82). Median OS estimates were not reached, 24.2, 11.7, 5.7, 2.6, and 0.7 years, in the presence of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 of the forementioned MAPS risk factors. Among informative cases, ASXL1 mutation was the only genetic risk factor with MAPS-independent prognostic relevance. Prognostic inter-independence between ICC and MAPS was confirmed by multivariable analysis. Conclusions: The current study confirms the superior performance of MAPS, in regard to survival prediction, with little additional contribution from mutations. SM sub-classification by the ICC is prognostically independent of MAPS and more valuable than classification by WHO5.

Background Although myeloproliferative neoplasm-unclassifiable (MPN-U) stands as a distinct entity in the International Consensus Classification (ICC) for myeloproliferative neoplasms, its diagnosis and management remain challenging due to the overlapping clinico-pathological characteristics with other MPNs. In the current study, we describe a well-defined cohort of patients with MPN-U and compare their presentation and outcome with those of a separate cohort with essential thrombocythemia (ET). Methods Diagnostic criteria were according to the ICC (Blood 2022; 140:1200). Non-driver mutations were screened by next-generation sequencing (NGS) and were available for subsets of patients with MPN-U or ET. Conventional statistical methods were employed, using JMP Pro 18.0.0 software SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA. Results Thirty Mayo Clinic patients who met the ICC criteria for MPN-U (median age 64 years; range 33-94; 60% males) and 658 with ET (median age 60 years; range 18-90; 36% males) were included in the current study. Table 1 outlines a comparative list of presenting characteristics (including mutations), clinical outcomes, and treatment details between patients with MPN-U vs. ET. JAK2 mutations were significantly more prevalent in MPN-U cohort (87% vs. 63% in ET; p<0.01) and CALR mutations less common (3% vs. 25%; p<0.01). Other somatic mutations, including ASXL1, SRSF2, and EZH2 were more frequently observed in the MPN-U group (p<0.05 in all). Abnormal karyotype was reported in 14% of patients with MPN-U vs. 8% with ET (p=0.3). Compared to patients with ET, those with MPN-U were more likely to be males (60% vs. 36%; p<0.01) and, as expected from disease presentation and indications for diagnostic work up of suspected cases, present with venous thrombosis (43% vs. 10%; p<0.01) and palpable splenomegaly (40% vs. 8.5%; p<0.01). Similarly, they were less likely to display thrombocytosis or leukocytosis (p<0.01 for both). Portal, superior mesenteric, and hepatic vein thromboses constituted 77% (vs. 27% in ET; p<0.01) of the venous events in MPN-U; in contrast, the incidences of pre-diagnosis arterial events were similar between the two groups (10% vs. 12%; p=0.7). At a median follow-up of 2.8 years in the MPN-U cohort, 6 (20%) deaths and 1 (3%) leukemic transformation were documented while 3 (10%) patients progressed to meet the diagnostic criteria for polycythemia vera. Four (13%) patients with MPN-U experienced venous thrombo-embolic events (VTEs) including 2 with recurrent VTEs, despite active therapy with systemic anticoagulation and aspirin. The ET cohort was followed for a median of 7.3 years with 161 (24%) deaths, 23 (3%) leukemic transformations, and 66 (10%) VTEs. Among the latter, 27 (41%) had recurrent episodes despite treatment with systemic anticoagulation, aspirin, and/or cytoreductive drugs. Notably, patients with MPN-U were less likely to receive aspirin and cytoreductive therapy during the clinical course (77% vs. 91% and 37% vs. 79%; p<0.01 for both, respectively). Long-term survival rates were similar between MPN-U and ET (15-year survival 70% vs. 65%; p=0.1). Consistent with previous associations seen in ET, patients with JAK2-mutated MPN-U were more likely to be males (58% vs. 30%; p<0.01, Table 2), and display a lower platelet and leukocyte count at the time of diagnosis (p<0.01 for both). These patients were also more likely to present with venous thrombosis (50% vs. 12% in JAK2 wild-type cases; p<0.01) and palpable splenomegaly (46% vs. 9%; p<0.01). Of note, the incidences of pre- and post-diagnosis arterial and post-diagnosis venous events were similar between JAK2-mutated MPN-U vs. JAK2-mutated ET patients (12% vs. 14%; p=0.7, 4% vs. 12.5%; p=0.1, and 15% vs. 12%, p=0.6, respectively). Similarly, long-term outcomes including deaths (15% vs. 26%; p=0.2), leukemic transformations (4% vs. 4%; p=0.9), and 15-year survival rates (78% vs. 60%; p=0.9) were also comparable between the two groups. Conclusion The findings from the current study were not unexpected and underline the ongoing challenges that face formal classification systems in formulating accurate diagnostic criteria for patients with MPN-U whose clinical presentation is biased by disease definitions. Regardless, it is comforting to document a favorable long-term outcome that appeared to be similar to that of ET while venous thrombosis remains a treatment challenge in both groups.

The International Consensus Classification (ICC) of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) expands on the work of prior classifications to refine the diagnostic criteria for MDS and AML and to identify specific genetic disease subtypes. This review summarizes the approach to the diagnosis of MDS and AML from the ICC perspective. For MDS, the significance of detecting mutations in SF3B1 , usually associated with ring sideroblasts, as well as the poor prognosis of mutations of TP53 are now included. For AML, new genetic categories are included, and the classification now incorporates additional clinically significant gene mutations by recognizing AML with TP53 mutation and AML with mutations in genes associated with prior therapy or MDS. Finally, the new category of MDS/AML is introduced for adult patients without recurrent de novo genetic abnormalities with 10% to 19% peripheral blood or bone marrow blasts that allow for more treatment flexibility based on clinical findings. While the increase in genetic categories and changes in blast cell requirements can be confusing, a stepwise approach is provided to allow easy use of the classification.

This study aimed to distinguish between essential thrombocythemia (ET) and prefibrotic primary myelofibrosis (pre-PMF) using routine blood tests, with a focus on white blood cell (WBC) and platelet (PLT) levels. We evaluated the predicted probability of a pre-PMF diagnosis based on the interaction between WBC and PLT levels using data from a logistic regression model involving 891 patients with ET and 180 patients with pre-PMF. Patients were divided into four groups based on whether their WBC and PLT values were below or above the respective thresholds of 8.85 × 109/L and 793 × 109/L. The results showed that patients with low levels of both WBCs and PLTs had the lowest predicted probability of pre-PMF (6%), indicating a profile more typical of ET. When either WBC or PLT levels were elevated, the probability increased to approximately 18%-19%, indicating a potential shift toward pre-PMF features. Notably, patients with elevated levels of both WBCs and PLTs had the highest probability of a pre-PMF diagnosis (26%), which was more than four times higher than that of the low-low group. The association between combined WBC/PLT levels and a pre-PMF diagnosis remained significant (p < 0.001), even when adjusting for serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and splenomegaly. These findings suggest that elevated WBC and PLT levels together can serve as a practical and accessible diagnostic tool for supporting the differential diagnosis of ET or pre-PMF in cases of uncertainty, and for deferring bone marrow biopsy in cases of early disease presenting with isolated thrombocytosis.

ImportanceEssential thrombocythemia, a clonal myeloproliferative neoplasm with excessive platelet production, is associated with an increased risk of thrombosis and bleeding. The annual incidence rate of essential thrombocythemia in the US is 1.5/100 000 persons.ObservationsPatients with essential thrombocythemia have a persistent platelet count of 450 × 109/L or greater. The differential diagnosis includes myeloproliferative neoplasms (polycythemia vera, primary myelofibrosis, chronic myeloid leukemia); inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus; infections; splenectomy; iron deficiency anemia; and solid tumors such as lung cancer. Approximately 90% of individuals with essential thrombocythemia have genetic variants that upregulate the JAK-STAT (signal transducer and activator of transcription 5) signaling pathway, including Janus kinase 2 (JAK2, 64%), calreticulin (CALR, 23%), and myeloproliferative leukemia virus oncogene (MPL, 4%). The median age at diagnosis of essential thrombocythemia is 59 years. The median overall survival exceeds 35 years in those diagnosed at 40 years or younger. Patients with essential thrombocythemia are at increased risk of arterial thrombosis (11%), venous thrombosis (7%), and hemorrhagic complications (8%). Thrombosis risk is increased among those with a history of thrombosis, age older than 60 years, a JAK2 gene variant, and cardiovascular risk factors (eg, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemias, tobacco use). Use of aspirin (81-100 mg/d) is suggested for most patients with essential thrombocythemia to lower thrombosis risk. In a retrospective study of 300 affected patients with a low thrombosis risk (younger than 60 years with no prior thrombosis), those not taking aspirin (100 mg/d) had a risk of arterial thrombosis of 9.4/1000 patient-years and a venous thrombosis risk of 8.2/1000 patient years; cardiovascular risk factors were associated with a higher risk of arterial thrombi (incidence rate ratio, 2.5 [95% CI, 1.02-6.1]), and a JAK2 gene variant was associated with increased risk of venous thrombosis (incidence rate ratio, 4.0 [95% CI, 1.2-12.9]). In a randomized trial of 114 patients at higher risk for thrombosis (age older than 60 years or a prior thrombotic event), cytoreduction with hydroxyurea significantly lowered the risk of arterial or venous thrombotic events compared with no cytoreductive therapy (3.6% vs 24%; P < .01). At a median of 8.5 years from diagnosis, approximately 10% of patients with essential thrombocythemia develop myelofibrosis and about 3% develop acute myeloid leukemia.ConclusionsEssential thrombocythemia is a rare clonal myeloproliferative neoplasm associated with an increased risk of venous and arterial thrombosis, hemorrhage, myelofibrosis, and acute myeloid leukemia. Based on individual risk factors for thrombosis, persons with essential thrombocythemia may be treated with low-dose aspirin, either alone or in combination with a cytoreductive drug such as hydroxyurea.

The World Health Organization (WHO-5) and International Consensus Classification (ICC) acknowledge the poor prognosis of TP53-mutated (TP53mut) myeloid neoplasm (MN). However, there are substantial differences between the two classifications that may lead to under- or overestimation of the prognostic risk. We retrospectively applied WHO-5 and ICC to 603 MN cases harboring TP53mut (variant allele frequency, VAF ≥ 2%). WHO-5 and ICC would not classify 64% and 20% of these cases as TP53mut MN, respectively. Moreover, of those classified, 67.5% would be classified discrepantly. Primary drivers of discrepancies included: (i) prognostic importance of TP53mut acute myeloid leukemia (AML), (ii) interaction of the blast percentage and allelic status, (iii) 17p.13.1 deletion detected by cytogenetics, (iv) complex karyotype (CK) as multi-hit equivalent, and (v) TP53mut VAF threshold, we analyzed survival outcomes of each of these groups with an aim to provide clarity. TP53mut AML was associated with significantly poor survival compared to TP53-wild type TP53wt AML, myelodysplasia-related (AML, MR 4.7 vs. 18.3 months; P < 0.0001), supporting its inclusion within TP53mut MN as a distinct subentity. Secondly, the survival of TP53mut with blast 10–19% was poor regardless of the allelic status. Thirdly, for cases with a single TP53mut with VAF < 50%, 17p13.1 del or CK serve as practical surrogates of biallelic inactivation, obviating the need for an additional copy number analysis. Finally, TP53mut AML, MDS multi-hit/multi-hit equivalent with VAF < 10% had significantly poorer survival compared to TP53mut MDS VAF < 10% without CK and 17p del, and were comparable to those with VAF ≥ 10% (14.1 vs. 48.8 vs.7.8 months, P < 0.0001). Collectively, these findings address key areas of contention and provide valuable insights that will guide future revisions of the WHO and ICC classifications.

NRAS and KRAS mutations, commonly identified alongside ancestral co-mutations, are generally regarded as pathogenic in adults presenting with monocytosis and/or cytopenia(s). However, their significance in isolation is not well defined. We studied a multi-institutional cohort of 52 patients with isolated RAS mutations and found that 26 (50%) did not meet diagnostic criteria for a myeloid neoplasm. Compared to patients with typical chronic myelomonocytic leukemia/myelodysplastic syndrome, these patients exhibited distinctive clinical features, including a younger age (65 years; range, 29-92 years), female predominance (60%), frequent immune-related disorders (39%), and splenomegaly (65%). Mutations predominantly involved KRAS (92%), with 87% affecting codons G12 or G13, and typically occurred at high variant allele frequency (39.0%; range, 2.6-53.0%). In three flow-sorted samples, KRAS/NRAS mutations were detected not only in granulocytes and monocytes but also in lymphocytes, reminiscent of pediatric RASopathies. A subset of patients (7/26, 27%) progressed to develop a myeloid malignancy, with acquisition of additional genetic alterations or the development of dysplasia. These findings challenge the assumption that isolated RAS mutations are sufficient to diagnose myeloid neoplasms. Instead, some cases may reflect adult-onset RASopathies or early clonal proliferations with distinct biological behavior. Recognition of such cases warrants refinement of diagnostic criteria and may influence therapeutic decision-making.

With the recent publication of new classification systems of hematopoietic neoplasms, understanding how recognition of disease entities has occurred over time and the subsequent development of formal disease classifications is of importance. This review focuses on the early recognition of myeloid disorders, especially chronic myeloid disorders, and how clinical observations became associated with specific cytologic, histologic, immunophenotypic, and eventually genetic features. This combined approach to disease classification is of particular importance in the evaluation of chronic myeloid neoplasms and has resulted in the definition of clinicopathologic disease entities that allow for more customized treatment approaches. The constant incorporation of ever-increasing information related to these disorders illustrates that disease classification is a constantly evolving process that requires constant updates as we strive to better understand the disorders we diagnose and treat.