Integrated Diagnosis Strategies in Oncohematology for the Management of Cytopenias and Leukocytosis
111 hematologists from 31 countries met in Barcelona for a three-day scientific meeting on Integrated Diagnosis Strategies in Oncohematology for the Management of Cytopenias and Leukocytosis.
In this meeting, SWG chair Professor Marie Christine Béné of the Scientific Working Group on Diagnosis: Morphology and Flow Cytometry and co-chair Professor Gina Zini led the participants to:
- get the proper orientation from morphological examination of blood or bone marrow smears.
- know how to orient complementary flow cytometry panels.
- understand how to apply classifications (mostly WHO 2016).
- appreciate how cytogenetics and molecular biology may help reaching an integrated diagnosis.
- better interact with clinicians in discussing difficult cases.
The knowledge was shared through lectures and interactive presentations, discussions and poster presentation. The program included both clinical and therapeutic viewpoints, important in integrating a patient’s story. The point of view of patients themselves, through participation of the CML Advocates Network, was also provided.
The main topics of the meeting were:
- Pre analytical and analytical considerations
- Towards integrated diagnoses: basics of morphology, flow cytometry, cytogenetics and molecular karyotype, molecular technologies
- Normal and pathological hematopoiesis, from progenitors to granulocytes and monocytes
- Morphology of granulo-monocytopoiesis: normal, MDS, AML and MPN
- Immunophenotypic exploration of erythropoiesis and thrombopoiesis
- Lymphopoiesis, leukemia and lymphoproliferative disorders
- Update on WHO 2016
- New drugs / therapeutic approaches and personalized medicine
- Patient’s follow up: MRD and detection of the emergence of resistances
The successful first edition of this meeting was held in 2015. For the second edition, the scope was broadened, bringing answers for any sample basically identified with cytopenia or leukocytosis.
The scientific program covered practical aspects of the diagnosis of hematological disorders suspected when encountering cytopenia or leukocytosis. The program had a strong focus on morphology, pathology and flow cytometry.
Bruce Davis opened and closed the meeting bringing perspective and an idea of what lies in the future of this field. Davis is is co-founder of ISLH and has a long history of involvement in developing automated cellular and flow cytometric technologies.
The meeting was endorsed by ISLH (International Society for Laboratory Hematology).
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