Myelodysplastic Syndromes with 20q Deletion: Incidence, Prognostic Value and Impact on Response to Azacitidine of ASXL1 Chromosomal Deletion and Genetic Mutations

Introduction : The 20q deletion [del(20q)] is a recurrent chromosomal aberration in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and, as a single abnormality, is associated according to the Revised International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-R) with a favorable outcome. However, the breakpoint of del(20q) is very heterogeneous and may cause deletion of the ASXL1 gene (20q11.21). This gene is an important epigenetic regulator of hematopoiesis and its mutations have been associated in MDS with a shorter overall survival (OS) and a lower response to azacitidine (AZA). Aim: To assess the incidence, prognostic value and impact on response to AZA of ASXL1 chromosomal alterations and genetic mutations in MDS…