Society for Hematopathology/European Association for Haematopathology 2013 Workshop

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), represent a heterogeneous group of malignancies that present unique challenges to pathologists. AML can also arise from MDS or myeloproliferative neoplasms and the genetic mechanisms of transformation are largely unknown. The advent of molecular diagnostics has heralded an explosion in new prognostic markers and many new entities were described in the recently published World Health Organization (WHO) classification of neoplasms of the hematopoietic system. Combined with sequencing and proteomic profiling, these technologies have helped identify new targets and signaling pathways, and may soon help to identify individual patients likely to benefit from specific therapies. Thus, this activity is designed to bring the spectrum of hematopoietic diseases to a forum for updating diagnostic criteria, pathophysiologic mechanisms and discussion. A unique aspect of this workshop is that we anticipate participation of expert hematopathologists, hematologists and oncologists from around the world.