Contributions of flow cytometry to the analysis of the myelodysplastic syndrome.
As the population of North America ages, the incidence of MDS is likely to rise. Epidemiologic survey instruments need to be put in place to document changes in the incidence. The basic mechanism of disease in MDS is largely unknown. No unifying, testable hypothesis is yet available, but apoptosis, with mitochondria playing a key role, are central to any discussion of MDS. Cytogenetic abnormalities have not provided an explanation of MDS but are of diagnostic and prognostic significance. The emergence of immunologic factors is of major importance and emphasizes the need for early detection. Flow cytometry can be used diagnostically to exclude other causes of cytopenias, document the phenotypic manifestations of myeloid dysmaturation, and provide blast enumeration. The distinctions between MDS and acute leukemia are arbitrary, and the process should be conceptualized as a continuum. There is a need for continued work to establish minimal diagnostic criteria for MDS. The current prognostic scoring systems do not incorporate findings from the newer technologies.
Miller
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Flow Cytometry Laboratory, Esoterix Oncology, Brentwood, Tennessee, USA. david.miller@esoterix.com
Stelzer
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D000368:Aged; D020732:Cytogenetic Analysis; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D008954:Models, Biological; D009190:Myelodysplastic Syndromes / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D011379:Prognosis; D014481:United States