There are several prognostic scoring models for MDS. Each model considers cytogenetics, blast percentages, and cytopenias. These prognostic factors are used to calculate a risk score. Generally, a lower risk score is associated with better patient outcomes.
The two most widely used are the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) and the Revised International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-R). IPSS-R identifies five risk categories instead of the original three in IPSS. It includes additional cytogenetic abnormalities and is more sensitive to the degree of cytopenias and blast percentages.
More information on IPSS and IPSS-R can be found here.While prognostic scoring systems for MDS provide valuable tools for risk stratification and clinical decision-making, their static nature, exclusion of important factors, and variability in prognostic accuracy present challenges that need to be addressed to improve their utility and accuracy in clinical practice.
