Report from the MDS Education Forum that took place in November 2018. Interviews by Sophie Wintrich Chief Executive of MDS UK Patient Support Group.

What are Myeloid Gene Panels and how are they used in MDS?

Myeloid Gene Panels are a set of specific genes present in MDS patients, whose mutations are thought to be driving MDS. These genes can be identified with innovative genetic tests.

Prof Nick Cross, professor of Human Genetics at the University of Southampton says:

MDS is a very complex disorder, but, as with all these different types of disorders, they are fundamentally driven by abnormalities of genes that are acquired during the lifetime of an individual.

What we are looking for is the large number of genes that are involved in MDS to see whether there are specific mutations, changes in those genes, that may actually be driving MDS.

Finding these can increase the confidence that this is really a diagnosis of MDS. We also know that some particular genes are associated with a better or a worse prognosis, and that they may indicate specific types of treatment.

Take a look at what is being done in the Wessex region, through a number of services, including Myeloid Gene Panels, and why such tests and technologies are used to help scientists and physicians in their diagnosis of MDS.

Scientists Interviewed:

• MS Sophie Laird, Clinical Scientist , Wessex Regional Genetic Laboratory
• Dr Sally Killick , Consultant Haematologist, Bournemouth Hospital
• Prof Nick Cross, professor of Human Genetics at the University of Southampton