The 2008 revision of the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of hematopoietic tumors includes numerous changes to the classification of myeloid neoplasms. This course, given by two of the authors of the revised classification, will cover key diagnostic aspects of myeloid neoplasms, including acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, myeloproliferative neoplasms and the myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative overlap syndromes. An integrated diagnostic approach that includes assessment of morphologic features, immunophenotyping, cytogenetics and molecular genetics will be presented using a case-based and lecture format. This course is appropriate for practicing general pathologists, hematopathologists and pathology trainees.

Clinical histories with images of illustrative cases will be provided prior to the meeting to pre-registrants on the USCAP website. While all of the myeloid disease entities will be described in the comprehensive course syllabus distributed at the meeting, the cases presented and lecture topics will vary each year to cover key elements of the 2008 WHO classification. All registrants will also have electronic access to the Power Point case presentations and the syllabus with a selected bibliography.

Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to: 1) identify the categories of myeloid disorders included in the 2008 WHO classification of hematopoietic tumors; 2) describe the basics of the molecular genetics of myeloid proliferations, also in the light of advances in targeted molecular therapies; 3) explain the value of ancillary techniques in the diagnosis of myeloid neoplasms and how these should be integrated with morphology within the classificative framework.

(LAST SCHEDULED PRESENTATION) This course may be used for CME credits or SAM credits.