Seiler T, Dreyling M
Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik III, Klinikum der Universität München Großhadern, Marchioninistr 15, 81377 München, Deutschland.
Pathologe. 2012 Nov;33(6):490-5. doi: 10.1007/s00292-012-1648-y.
Bone marrow diagnostics is an essential tool in routine hematological clinical practice. Not only conventional cytological and histological approaches but also more modern techniques, such as immunohistochemistry, cytogenetics and molecular diagnostics are used. The molecular basis of more and more hematological disorders is being discovered and makes its way not only into routine diagnostics but also into daily clinical practice. Recurrent genomic aberrations associated with the individual patient prognosis are well characterized and are being applied in differential therapeutic decisions. In addition, understanding deregulated biochemical pathways have led to the development of targeted therapeutic approaches. This review outlines the value of bone marrow diagnostics in hematological diseases with a focus on the currently emerging molecular diagnostic possibilities.
