State of Hematopathology: The Past, Present, and the Future

Course overview

Dr. George will discuss the evolution of hematopathology diagnosis with microscopic analysis (blood, bone marrow, and solid tissue) providing the initial framework of hematopathology. Subtypes were further defined initially based on phenotypic attributes, which were assessed by immunohistochemistry and subsequently by flow cytometry. The field gradually moved away from a pure cell of origin classification to a more integrated approach, and molecular subtypes were described. This revolutionized the field vis-a-vis better prognostication and personalized therapy, as novel therapeutics began to be considered in lieu of or in combination with standard chemotherapy. The advent of high-throughput sequencing/next generation sequencing (NGS) led to major advances with the discovery of mutations. NGS was quickly integrated into the clinical testing environment and is now routinely used in the world of myeloid neoplasms; several institutions also offer NGS for lymphomas. This webinar will also cover current and future uses of digital pathology and artificial intelligence in the world of hematopathology. Finally, Dr. George will conclude with a brief assessment of the International Consensus Classification and the World Health Organization classifications and discuss practical approaches to a more integrated hematopathology diagnostic process. Learning Objectives: Describe the two major classification systems for hematolymphoid neoplasms. Define the components of an integrated hematopathology diagnostic report. Discuss ways digital pathology and artificial intelligence can be used in hematopathology.