5th International Conference on Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Chairs: M. Cazzola (Pavia), P. Fenaux (Paris), E. Hellström-Lindberg (Stockholm)
Dates: April 14-16, 2016
Venue: Estoril, Portugal
Over the past few years, the revolution of genomic and epigenomic analysis (going as far as whole genome sequencing) has led to the discovery of most of the genes that seem to be involved in the pathogenesis of MDS. Very large patient series where gene abnormalities have been studied will be presented
In addition, clinicians are starting to use those genetic and epigenetic alterations to improve diagnosis and risk stratification, and a few of these abnormalities are beginning to constitute treatment targets
Prognostic factors of MDS have improved, especially with the publication of the revised IPSS, which allows in particular to identify « low risk MDS » patients whose outcome may in fact not be so favorable, and who may require treatment generally considered for higher risk patients. Genetic analysis is playing a growing role in this risk stratification.
Regarding treatment, a major challenge in high risk MDS is to improve results of hypomethylating agents, probably by using drug combinations, and also by making allogeneic SCT available to more patients, which has been achieved in part by the improvements in transplants with alternative donors. In low risk MDS, the precise role of TPO receptors agonists and of iron chelation, among others, will be debated, while the major challenge remains that of anemia resistant to erythropoietic stimulating agents
Learning objectives:
– Learn how to optimally diagnose MDS, mainly by morphological analysis and cytogenetics, but also using molecular analysis and flow cytometry.
– Improve ability to analyze prognostic factors, including new ones (revised IPSS, molecular analysis).
– Review current treatment of MDS, in both the high risk and low risk settings, ranging from single follow up to allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
– Acquire improved knowledge of emerging treatments, based on targeted therapies and well conducted clinical trials.
– Diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic issues will be largely discussed based on clinical cases that will be presented by the faculty and by selected delegates.
