Clinical, Genetic, and Pathologic Variability in Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Precursor Conditions Across Race, Ethnicity, and Sex

The epidemiology of myelodysplastic syndromes/neoplasms (MDS) is challenging to define due to inconsistent reporting, complex diagnostic procedures, and evolving diagnostic criteria. Using the National MDS Natural History Study-a prospective cohort with centrally adjudicated histopathology and genetic variant review-we characterized the landscape of MDS across the United States and identified differences across demographics. Among 2115 participants, 64% (1346) had an MDS spectrum condition, including MDS (24%), MDS/myeloproliferative neoplasm (5%) and precursor conditions-clonal cytopenia of undetermined significance (22%) and idiopathic cytopenia/dysplasia of undetermined significance (13%). The median age was 74 years, and participants were predominantly male (66%), White (91%), and Non-Hispanic (92%). Myeloid-associated variants were detected in 68% of participants, most commonly in TET2, DNMT3A, ASXL1, SF3B1, and SRSF2. Black, compared to White, participants were younger at diagnosis (69 vs. 74 years, p = 0.01), had equal or increased prevalence of higher-risk MDS, lower hemoglobin, and higher peripheral blood blasts, yet were less likely to receive MDS-directed therapy (14% vs. 42%, p = 0.008). Black and Hispanic participants had fewer detectable gene mutations than White participants. Females had lower variant allele frequencies and fewer RNA splicing gene mutations than males. After multivariable adjustment, TP53 mutations, MDS diagnosis, and higher-risk disease were associated with worse progression-free and overall survival; age was also associated with overall survival. Black race trended toward improved progression-free survival. These findings highlight the need for enhanced understanding of MDS pathogenesis across patient groups and refined prognostic tools to improve personalized management of MDS spectrum conditions. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02775383.