Methodology

FISH

Trisomy 8 (+8) is diagnostic for MDS in the appropriate clinical context and is usually associated with an intermediate prognosis. -5/5q- (5q33-q34 5q-) is found in 10% to 15% of MDS and, is associated with a favorable response to chemotherapy if it is the sole abnormality. The “5q- syndrome” also has a favorable prognosis. A complete deletion of chromosome 5 (-5) is usually associated with an unfavorable prognosis. Lenalidomide (Revlimid) may reduce transfusion requirements and reverse cytologic and cytogenetic abnormalities in these patients. -7/7q- 7q31 is the most common abnormality in pediatric MDS and is usually associated with an unfavorable response to chemotherapy. 20q12 20q- is a chromosomal 20q deletion, is associated with about 5% of primary MDS and confers a relatively favorable prognosis.