Myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasm with ring sideroblasts and thrombocytosis (MDS/MPN-RS-T)

2016-10-01   Robert S. Ohgami , Matthew Koo 

1.Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; ROhgami@stanfordhealthcare.org

Abstract

Review on Myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasm with ring sideroblasts and thrombocytosis

Clinics and Pathology

Disease

Myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasm with ring sideroblasts and thrombocytosis (MDS/MPN-RS-T), formerly a provisional diagnosis of refractory anemia with ring sideroblasts associated with marked thrombocytosis (RARS-T) under the MDS/MPN unclassifiable group, has been recognized as a full entity in the 2016 WHO classification (Arber et al., 2016). It is characterized by thrombocytosis of ≥450 x 109/L, refractory anemia, dyserythropoiesis with excess ring sideroblasts (≥15% of erythroid precursors, irrespective of SF3B1 mutational status), and megakaryocytes morphologically resembling that which may be seen in primary myelofibrosis (PMF) or essential thrombocythemia (ET).

Phenotype stem cell origin

The etiopathogenesis of MDS/MPN-RS-T is heterogeneous (Gurevich et al., 2011). Ring sideroblasts be a manifestation of abnormal erythropoiesis with mitochondrial iron overload (Patnaik et al., 2015).

Epidemiology

MDS/MPN-RS-T is a rare disorder accounting for

Clinics

The Gurevich et al. study also found presenting signs and symptoms of fatigue (5/18), "heavy"/abnormal menstrual bleeding (2/18), nosebleed (2/18), upper respiratory tract infection/flu-like symptoms (2/18), weight loss (1/18), and chest pain (1/18). 5/18 patients reported no significant symptoms and presented with incidental anemia and/or thrombocytopenia. Splenomegaly was palpable in 2/18 patients; the remainder of the patients (16/18) had an unremarkable physical examination. Platelet count ranged from 515-1100 x 109/L with a median of 645 x 109/L. Hemoglobin ranged from 7.2-12.6 g/dL with a median of 10.2 g/dL. Leukocyte count was normal in 14/18 patients and slightly below reference range in 1/18 patients. The remaining 3/18 patients showed a mildly elevated leukocyte count that ranged from 12.9-16.3 x 109/L (Gurevich et al., 2011).

Pathology

Peripheral blood findings include thrombocytosis with megathrombocytes, macrocytic or normocytic normochromic anemia with anisopoikilocytosis, and myeloid left shift with mild dysplastic features. Bone marrow aspirate smear findings include increased megakaryocytes, myeloid left shift with mild dysplastic features (including hypogranulation and abnormal nuclear lobation) and
Atlas Image
Figure: Image showing a peripheral blood smear in the left panel with thrombocytosis. A bone marrow biopsy is shown on the right with an atypical megakaryocyte and numerous ring sideroblasts (right inset).

Treatment

Management is typically individualized to address the anemia (erythropoiesis stimulating agents and/or transfusion) and the thrombotic risk (aspirin). The value of cytoreductive therapy (hydroxyurea, lenalidomide, IFN-?, busulfan, anagrelide) is uncertain and may exacerbate the baseline anemia.

Prognosis

Using either the IPSS for MDS or the revised IPSS, most patients with MDS/MPN-RS-T fall into a low risk group. Overall prognosis is intermediate between that of ET and myelodysplastic syndrome with ring sideroblasts (MDS-RS) (Patnaik et al. 2015). Compared to patients with ET, patients with MDS/MPN-RS-T have been found to have a shorter overall and leukemia-free survival but a lower risk of thrombosis. Compared to patients with MDS-RS, patients with MDS/MPN-RS-T have been found to have better survival but a higher risk of thrombosis (Broseus et al., 2012).

Note

Somatic mutations in several genes are seen in MDS/MPN-RS-T. Notably mutations in JAK2 are frequent, seen in 30-70% of cases. Most cases harbor a specific JAK2 point mutation: JAK2V617F. Mutations in SF3B1 are also common (70-95% of cases) and associated with the morphologic finding of ring sideroblasts. MPL and CALR mutations are rare (

Genes Involved and Proteins

Gene name
MPL (MPL proto-oncogene, thrombopoietin receptor)
Location
1p34.2
Protein description
MPL encodes for CD110, also known as thrombopoietin receptor, which plays a critical role in thrombopoiesis. Thrombopoietin ( THPO)-CD110 binding leads to receptor dimerization and downstream signaling. Mutations leading to constitutive activation of CD110 have been linked to overproduction of abnormal megakaryocytes (Tefferi et al., 2014).
Gene name
SF3B1 (splicing factor 3b subunit 1)
Location
2q33.1
Protein description
SF3B1 encodes for subunit one of the splicing factor 3b protein complex. Splicing factor 3b, splicing factor 3a, and a 12S RNA unit combine to form the U2 small nuclear riboproteins complex (U2 snRNP). The splicing factor 3a/3b complex may function as an anchor region for U2 snRNP to bind pre-mRNA.
Gene name
JAK2 (janus kinase 2)
Location
9p24.1
Protein description
JAK2 encodes for the predominant kinase of erythropoietin receptor signaling. JAK2V617F mutations lead to constitutive activation of and downstream signalling by this kinase, which allows hematopoietic cells to grow in a cytokine-independent manner.
Gene name
CALR (calreticulin)
Location
19p13.13
Protein description
CALR encodes for calreticulin, which has many functions including calcium homeostasis, protein folding, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. CALR mutations may be found in patients with JAK2-negative/MPL-negative ET and PMF.

Bibliography

Pubmed IDLast YearTitleAuthors
270692542016The 2016 revision to the World Health Organization classification of myeloid neoplasms and acute leukemia.Arber DA et al
225325222012Clinical features and course of refractory anemia with ring sideroblasts associated with marked thrombocytosis.Broseus J et al
213500942011Refractory anemia with ring sideroblasts associated with marked thrombocytosis: a mixed group exhibiting a spectrum of morphologic findings.Gurevich I et al
243253592013Somatic CALR mutations in myeloproliferative neoplasms with nonmutated JAK2.Nangalia J et al
184808332008The myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms: myeloproliferative diseases with dysplastic features.Orazi A et al
258994352015Refractory anemia with ring sideroblasts and RARS with thrombocytosis.Patnaik MM et al
244021622014CALR vs JAK2 vs MPL-mutated or triple-negative myelofibrosis: clinical, cytogenetic and molecular comparisons.Tefferi A et al

Citation

Robert S. Ohgami ; Matthew Koo

Myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasm with ring sideroblasts and thrombocytosis (MDS/MPN-RS-T)

Atlas Genet Cytogenet Oncol Haematol. 2016-10-01

Online version: http://atlasgeneticsoncology.org/haematological/1396/myelodysplastic-myeloproliferative-neoplasm-with-ring-sideroblasts-and-thrombocytosis-(mds-mpn-rs-t)