Role of flow cytometry in myelodysplastic syndromes: Diagnosis, classification, prognosis and response assessment

Abstract

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a heterogeneous group of myeloid neoplasms. With the emergence of therapeutic options, attempts to standardize diagnostic, prognostic and response criteria to guide treatment decisions are increasingly important. This has been achieved in part by the revised 2008 World Health Organization classification and consensus guidelines outlining refined definitions and standards. Conventional criteria have limitations in terms of sensitivity and specificity. Multiparameter flow cytometry (FC) can be used real-time, and is a highly reproducible and objective way of assessing the pattern of expression of multiple antigens on a single hematopoietic cell and defined s..