Update on developments in the diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS): consensus statements and report from an expert workshop.

Several new treatments for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) have recently become available, or are in development. Patients who could benefit from active treatment must be effectively identified and followed up. Therefore, guidelines for the diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of MDS need to be kept up to date with technological and scientific advances. An expert workshop was convened to review currently available and emerging diagnostic technologies and developments in prognostic classification systems, to ensure appropriate management of individual patients. The panel also provided suggestions to ensure adherence to guidelines and highlighted the mandatory requirement for cytogenetic evaluation in patients with MDS.