From Myelodysplastic Syndrome to Myelodysplastic Neoplasm: The Impact of WHO's Reclassification on MDS Research

Abstract

This letter addresses the challenges posed by the recent reclassification of Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) to Myelodysplastic Neoplasm (maintaining the acronym MDS) by the World Health Organization (WHO). Despite the clinical and scientific justification for this change, the adoption of the new terminology in the research community has been slow, leading to decreased visibility and citation of studies using the updated nomenclature. Here, it was proposed a gradual transition where both terminologies are used simultaneously in research articles to maintain research visibility while educating the medical community about the new terminology. Furthermore, it is suggested that major databases and search engines update their algorithms to link both terms, ensuring comprehensive search results. The role of international medical societies and scientific journals in promoting the use of the new terminology is also emphasized.