Next-Generation Sequencing Mutational Landscape and Clinical Features of Chinese Adults with Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

Background: Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) include three classical subtypes: polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF). Since prefibrotic primary myelofibrosis (pre-PMF) was recognized as a separate entity in the 2016 revised classification of MPN, it has been a subject of debate among experts due to its indefinite diagnosis. However, pre-PMF usually has a distinct outcome compared with either ET or overt PMF. In this study, we examined the clinical, haematologic, genetic, and prognostic differences among pre-PMF, ET, and overt PMF. Methods: : We retrospectively reviewed the clinical parameters, haematologic information, and genetic mutations of patients who were diagnosed with pre-PMF, ET, and overt PMF according to the WHO 2016 criteria using next-generation sequencing (NGS). Results: : Pre-PMF patients exhibited higher leukocyte counts, higher LDH values, a higher frequency of splenomegaly, and a higher incidence of hypertension than ET patients. On the other hand, pre-PMF patients had higher platelet counts and haemoglobin levels than overt PMF patients. Molecular analysis revealed that the frequency of EP300 mutations was significantly increased in pre-PMF patients compared with ET and overt PMF patients. In terms of outcome, male sex, along with symptoms including MPN-10, anaemia, thrombocytopenia, and KMT2A and CUX1 mutations, indicated a poor prognosis for PMF patients. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that comprehensive evaluation of BM features, clinical phenotypes, haematologic parameters, and molecular profiles is needed for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of ET, pre-PMF, and overt PMF patients.