Epigenetic mechanisms driving the progression of MDS to secondary AML

Harinder Gill, MBBS, PDipID, MD, MRCP, FRCP, FRCPath, FHKCP, FHKAM, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China talks on the various mechanisms which drive the progression of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) to secondary acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Dr Gill outlines the two most common mutational profiles seen in patients with MDS who progress to secondary AML – the accumulation of genes which confer a proliferative advantage and the acquisition of mutations in tumor suppressor genes. Dr Gill also comments on how the treatments patients with MDS receive may also contribute to the progression, for instance hypomethylating agents (HMAs) potentially inducing epigenetic changes. This interview took place at the European Hematology Association (EHA) Congress 2022 held in Vienna, Austria.