2016 WHO Classification of Myeloid Neoplasms and Acute Leukemia: Key Revisions
The 2016 WHO revision incorporated new molecular, immunophenotypic, and prognostic data into the classification of myeloid neoplasms and acute leukemia. Key changes included recognition of entities defined by specific genetic abnormalities identified through next-generation sequencing and refined diagnostic criteria for myelodysplastic syndromes and myeloproliferative neoplasms. This landmark classification update reshaped diagnostic workflows in hematopathology laboratories worldwide.
The original study
The 2016 revision to the World Health Organization classification of myeloid neoplasms and acute leukemia.
- Authors
- Arber DA, Orazi A, Hasserjian R, Thiele J, Borowitz MJ, Le Beau MM, et al.
- Journal
- Blood
- Type
- Journal Article, Review, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
- PMID
- 27069254
Original abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) classification of tumors of the hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues was last updated in 2008. Since then, there have been numerous advances in the identification of unique biomarkers associated with some myeloid neoplasms and acute leukemias, largely derived from gene expression analysis and next-generation sequencing that can significantly improve the diagnostic criteria as well as the prognostic relevance of entities currently included in the WHO classification and that also suggest new entities that should be added. Therefore, there is a clear need for a revision to the current classification. The revisions to the categories of myeloid neoplasms and acute leukemia will be published in a monograph in 2016 and reflect a consensus of opinion of hematopathologists, hematologists, oncologists, and geneticists. The 2016 edition represents a revision of the prior classification rather than an entirely new classification and attempts to incorporate new clinical, prognostic, morphologic, immunophenotypic, and genetic data that have emerged since the last edition. The major changes in the classification and their rationale are presented here.