scholarly journals Molecular Pathogenesis in Myeloid Neoplasms with Germline Predisposition

Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 46
Author(s):  
Juehua Gao ◽  
Yihua Chen ◽  
Madina Sukhanova

Myeloid neoplasms with germline predisposition have recently been added as distinct provisional entities in the 2017 revision of the World Health Organization’s classification of tumors of hematopoietic and lymphatic tissue. Individuals with germline predisposition have increased risk of developing myeloid neoplasms—mainly acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome. Although the incidence of myeloid neoplasms with germline predisposition remains poorly defined, these cases provide unique and important insights into the biology and molecular mechanisms of myeloid neoplasms. Knowledge of the regulation of the germline genes and their interactions with other genes, proteins, and the environment, the penetrance and clinical presentation of inherited mutations, and the longitudinal dynamics during the process of disease progression offer models and tools that can further our understanding of myeloid neoplasms. This knowledge will eventually translate to improved disease sub-classification, risk assessment, and development of more effective therapy. In this review, we will use examples of these disorders to illustrate the key molecular pathways of myeloid neoplasms.

Blood ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brunangelo Falini ◽  
Lorenzo Brunetti ◽  
Maria Paola Martelli

Mutations of the nucleophosmin (NPM1) gene, encoding for a nucleolar multifunctional protein, occur in about one-third of adult acute myeloid leukemia (AML). NPM1-mutated AML exhibits unique molecular, pathological and clinical features, that led to its recognition as distinct entity in the 2017 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of myeloid neoplasms. Although WHO criteria for the diagnosis of NPM1-mutated AML are well established, its distinction from other AML entities may be sometimes difficult. Moreover, the percentage of blasts required to diagnose NPM1-mutated AML remains controversial. According to the European LeukemiaNet (ELN), determining the mutational status of NPM1 (together with FLT3) is mandatory for accurate relapse risk assessment. NPM1 mutations are ideal targets for measurable residual disease (MRD) monitoring since they are AML-specific, frequent, very stable at relapse and do not drive clonal hematopoiesis of undetermined significance. MRD monitoring by quantitative PCR of NPM1 mutant transcripts, possibly combined with the ELN genetic-based risk stratification, can guide therapeutic decisions at post-remission stage. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry can be very useful in selected situations, such as diagnosis of NPM1-mutated myeloid sarcoma. Herein, we present four illustrative cases of NPM1-mutated AML, with the aim to address important issues on the biology, diagnosis and therapy of this common form of leukemia.


2018 ◽  
Vol 143 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juehua Gao ◽  
Shunyou Gong ◽  
Yi-Hua Chen

Context.— Myeloid neoplasms with familial occurrence have been rarely reported in the past. With the advance of molecular technology and better understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of myeloid neoplasms, investigating the genetic causes of familial acute myeloid leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome has become feasible in the clinical setting. Recent studies have identified a rapidly expanding list of germline mutations associated with increased risks of developing myeloid neoplasm in the affected families. It is important to recognize these entities, as such a diagnosis may dictate a unique approach in clinical management and surveillance for the patients and carriers. Objective.— To raise the awareness of myeloid neoplasms arising in the setting of familial inheritance among practicing pathologists. Data Sources.— Based on recent literature and the 2016 revision of the World Health Organization classification of hematopoietic neoplasms, we provide an up-to-date review of myeloid neoplasm with germline predisposition. Conclusions.— This short review focuses on the clinical, pathologic, and molecular characterization of myeloid neoplasm with germline predisposition. We emphasize the important features that will help practicing pathologists to recognize these newly described entities.


2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (9) ◽  
pp. 934-946 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lars Bullinger ◽  
Konstanze Döhner ◽  
Hartmut Döhner

In recent years, our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of myeloid neoplasms, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML), has been greatly advanced by genomics discovery studies that use novel high-throughput sequencing techniques. AML, similar to most other cancers, is characterized by multiple somatically acquired mutations that affect genes of different functional categories, a complex clonal architecture, and disease evolution over time. Patterns of mutations seem to follow specific and temporally ordered trajectories. Mutations in genes encoding epigenetic modifiers, such as DNMT3A, ASXL1, TET2, IDH1, and IDH2, are commonly acquired early and are present in the founding clone. The same genes are frequently found to be mutated in elderly individuals along with clonal expansion of hematopoiesis that confers an increased risk for the development of hematologic cancers. Furthermore, such mutations may persist after therapy, lead to clonal expansion during hematologic remission, and eventually lead to relapsed disease. In contrast, mutations involving NPM1 or signaling molecules (eg, FLT3, RAS) typically are secondary events that occur later during leukemogenesis. Genetic data are now being used to inform disease classification, risk stratification, and clinical care of patients. Two new provisional entities, AML with mutated RUNX1 and AML with BCR- ABL1, have been included in the current update of the WHO classification of myeloid neoplasms and AML, and mutations in three genes— RUNX1, ASXL1, and TP53—have been added in the risk stratification of the 2017 European LeukemiaNet recommendations for AML. Integrated evaluation of baseline genetics and assessment of minimal residual disease are expected to further improve risk stratification and selection of postremission therapy. Finally, the identification of disease alleles will guide the development and use of novel molecularly targeted therapies.


Blood ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 112 (12) ◽  
pp. 4384-4399 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elaine S. Jaffe ◽  
Nancy Lee Harris ◽  
Harald Stein ◽  
Peter G. Isaacson

AbstractIn the past 50 years, we have witnessed explosive growth in the understanding of normal and neoplastic lymphoid cells. B-cell, T-cell, and natural killer (NK)–cell neoplasms in many respects recapitulate normal stages of lymphoid cell differentiation and function, so that they can be to some extent classified according to the corresponding normal stage. Likewise, the molecular mechanisms involved the pathogenesis of lymphomas and lymphoid leukemias are often based on the physiology of the lymphoid cells, capitalizing on deregulated normal physiology by harnessing the promoters of genes essential for lymphocyte function. The clinical manifestations of lymphomas likewise reflect the normal function of lymphoid cells in vivo. The multiparameter approach to classification adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) classification has been validated in international studies as being highly reproducible, and enhancing the interpretation of clinical and translational studies. In addition, accurate and precise classification of disease entities facilitates the discovery of the molecular basis of lymphoid neoplasms in the basic science laboratory.


2006 ◽  
Vol 130 (8) ◽  
pp. 1233-1235
Author(s):  
Stephen Berns ◽  
Gary Pearl

Abstract Pineal anlage tumor is an extremely rare tumor that is not listed in the 2000 World Health Organization Classification of nervous system tumors. It has been defined as a primary pineal tumor with both neuroepithelial and ectomesenchymal differentiation and without endodermal differentiation. We review the literature on this tumor, including the clinical presentation, gross pathology, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, differential diagnosis, and prognosis.


2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard A. Larson ◽  
Roland B Walter

The acute leukemias are malignant clonal disorders characterized by aberrant differentiation and proliferation of transformed hematopoietic progenitor cells. These cells accumulate within the bone marrow and lead to suppression of the production of normal blood cells, with resulting symptoms from varying degrees of anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia or from infiltration into tissues. They are currently classified by their presumed cell of origin, although the field is moving rapidly to genetic subclassification. This review covers epidemiology; etiology; classification of leukemia by morphology, immunophenotyping, and cytogenetic/molecular abnormalities; cytogenetics of acute leukemia; general principles of therapy; acute myeloid leukemia; acute lymphoblastic leukemia; and future possibilities. The figure shows the incidence of acute leukemias in the United States. Tables list World Health Organization (WHO) classification of acute myeloid leukemia and related neoplasms, expression of cell surface and cytoplasmic markers for the diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia and mixed-phenotype acute leukemia, WHO classification of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, WHO classification of acute leukemias of ambiguous lineage, WHO classification of myelodysplastic syndromes, European LeukemiaNet cytogenetic and molecular genetic subsets in acute myeloid leukemia with prognostic importance, cytogenetic and molecular subtypes of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, terminology used in leukemia treatment, and treatment outcome for adults with acute leukemia. This review contains 1 highly rendered figure, 9 tables, and 117 references.


2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (23) ◽  
pp. 2708-2715 ◽  
Author(s):  
John P. Leonard ◽  
Peter Martin ◽  
Gail J. Roboz

A major revision of the WHO classification of lymphoid and myeloid neoplasms and acute leukemia was released in 2016. A key motivation for this update was to include new information available since the 2008 version with clinical relevance for the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of patients. With > 100 entities described, it is important for the clinician to understand features that may be important in daily practice, whereas researchers need to incorporate the new classification scheme into study development and analysis. In this review, we highlight the key aspects of the 2016 update with particular importance to routine patient care and clinical trial design.


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