Higher-risk myelodysplastic syndromes with del(5q): does the del(5q) matter?

Introduction: Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) represents a group of cancers characterized by abnormal blood cell formation and maturation, leading to various degrees of cytopenias and potential transformation to acute myeloid leukemia. Deletion of the long arm of chromosome 5 (del(5q)) is the most common clonal chromosomal anomaly in MDS, yet the population in this disease subtype is quite heterogeneous. This manuscript analyzes literature on high-risk MDS with del(5q) abnormalities. Areas covered: The paper will review outcomes with lenalidomide among high-risk MDS patients with del(5q). It will discuss the implications of harboring TP53 gene mutations, and share the data for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantations in this setting. Finally, the report evaluates the risk of disease progression in these patients. Expert commentary: Improved characterization of MDS has enhanced our understanding of patients with anomalies involving del(5q). Emerging literature is exploring combination therapy beyond lenalidomide, and next-generation sequencing may identify secondary mutations that could be an additional avenue for treatment.