Clinical Information

Next-generation sequencing is a comprehensive molecular diagnostic methodology that can interrogate multiple regions of genomic tumor DNA in a single assay. Many hematologic neoplasms are characterized by morphologic or phenotypic similarities but can have characteristic somatic mutations in many genes that enable more specific categorization. In addition, many myeloid neoplasms lack a clonal cytogenetic finding at diagnosis (normal karyotype) but can be diagnosed or confirmed and classified according to the gene mutation profile. Patients with unexplained cytopenias may harbor acquired genetic alterations in hematopoietic cells (clonal cytopenias of uncertain significance), which may carry the risk of developing overt myeloid malignancies. The presence and pattern of gene mutations in known or suspected myeloid neoplasm can provide critical diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic information to help guide management for the patient’s physician.