Reporting blast percentage for response assessment in acute leukemias: recommendations from an EHA/ELN expert panel

Wang, SA; Arenillas, L; Buccisano, F; Bruggemann, M; Kern, W; Menes, M; Plesa, A; Stone, L; Wellnitz, D; Westerman, DA; Wood, BL; Freeman, SD

Author(s): Wang, SA; Arenillas, L; Buccisano, F; Bruggemann, M; Kern, W; Menes, M; Plesa, A; Stone, L; Wellnitz, D; Westerman, DA; Wood, BL; Freeman, SD;
Details: Publication Year 2026-01-01,Volume 111,Issue #1,Page 98-107
Journal Title: Haematologica
Publication Type: Guideline
Abstract: Evaluation of bone marrow blast percentage is paramount to response criteria in acute leukemias. There is an identified need within the framework of updated laboratory practices to reduce inconsistencies in methodologies used by clinical laboratories to report blast values and clarify aspects of reporting. Representatives from international specialized working groups including the European Hematology Association (EHA) Diagnosis in Hematological Diseases Specialized Working Group and the European LeukemiaNet (ELN) produced consensus guidance for harmonized blast assessment to define response categories in patients with acute leukemia. This guidance addresses sampling best practice, key considerations for generating the most accurate blast enumeration and the limitations across the methodologies in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute leukemia of ambiguous lineage. An integrated reporting scheme for deriving blast percentage is provided for ALL and AML. This incorporates results from appropriate measurable residual disease assays with morphological crosscheck. The practical guide and approach presented herein should facilitate uniform reporting standards both within clinical trials and in broader clinical practice.
Publisher: Ferrata-Storti Foundation
Keywords: Humans; *Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology/therapy/diagnosis; *Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma/pathology/diagnosis/therapy; *Blast Crisis/diagnosis/pathology; *Bone Marrow/pathology; Neoplasm, Residual
Department(s): Pathology
Publisher's Version: https://doi.org/10.3324/haematol.2025.288228
Open Access at Publisher's Site: https://doi.org/10.3324/haematol.2025.288228
Terms of Use/Rights Notice: Refer to copyright notice on published article.

Creation Date: 2025-10-28 02:33:57

Last Modified: 2026-01-27 11:48:50