Standardization of Bone Marrow Reporting for Myelodysplastic Syndromes/Neoplasms on Behalf of the International Consortium for Myelodysplastic Syndromes/Neoplasms.

Abstract

Context.—: Standardized bone marrow reporting specifically for myelodysplastic syndromes/neoplasms (MDS) is currently lacking in the literature and much needed in practice.

Objective.—: To propose a standardized approach to MDS evaluation in bone marrow specimens by (1) enhancing interinstitutional and intrainstitutional collaborations and clinical decision-making among hematopathologists and clinical hematologists and (2) allowing for efficient data extraction for clinical trials, institutional databases, and registry templates. This suggested approach is summarized in a modifiable, user-friendly template for hematopathologists to reference as they examine bone marrows (in the Supplemental Digital Content).

Data sources.—: We built upon the bone marrow template reporting guideline outlined by the College of American Pathologists Pathology and Laboratory Quality Center for Evidence-Based Guidelines and gathered expert insight from hematopathologists and hematologists-oncologists who specialize in MDS.

Conclusions.—: This proposed approach to MDS evaluation in the bone marrow standardizes reporting, which enhances communication among health care professionals and allows for efficient data extraction.