MDS/MPN-RS-T justified inclusion as a unique disease entity?

Myelodysplastic syndrome/myeloproliferative neoplasm with ring sideroblasts and thrombocytosis (MDS/MPN-RS-T) is a disease entity characterized by anemia, bone marrow dysplasia with ring sideroblasts and persistent thrombocytosis ≥450 × 109/L with proliferation of large and morphologically atypical megakaryocytes. Although initially recognized by the World Health Organization only as a provisional entity, next generation sequencing has identified recurrent somatic mutations in SF3B1, JAK2 and other genes providing further evidence of the clonal nature of this disease and the need to recognize it as a separate entity. Despite its overlapping features with MDS with ring sideroblasts and essential thrombocythemia, MDS/MPN-RS-T is characterized by specific clinical features and distinct survival outcomes. In the current review we will describe the morphological and genomic features of MDS-RS-T and the potential diagnostic challenges and distinction from other possible conditions. We will also review how the current evidence supports its recognition as an independent disorder.