WHO Classification of Leukemia
Estcourt LJ., Bain BJ.
This article summarizes the most recent version (2008) of the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of leukemia and the closely related myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). The classification of the lymphomas and other neoplasms that are not primarily leukemic in nature will not be discussed. This was the first classification system of hematological malignancies that used genetic information extensively to aid categorization. The WHO classification is now being used much more widely and can identify leukemias with a good risk prognosis, or that will respond to specific therapies, more accurately than previous classification systems.