Haematological cancers: improving outcomes. A summary of updated NICE service guidance in relation to Specialist Integrated Haematological Malignancy Diagnostic Services (SIHMDS)

Abstract

Haematological malignancies are a diverse group of cancers that affect the blood, bone marrow and lymphatic systems. Laboratory diagnosis of haematological malignancies is dependent on combining several technologies, including morphology, immunophenotyping, cytogenetics and molecular genetics correlated As part of the 2016 update to the NICE IOG, these models were systematically evaluated and recommendations produced to form the basis for quality standards for future development of SIHMDS. We provide a summary of the systematic review and recommendations. Although the recommendations pertain to the UK NHS, they have relevance to the modern delivery of diagnostic services internationally. DefinitionsLocal reporting: service models in which haematological cancer diagnosis is made within a local laboratory of an associated clinical department.Co-located: service models in which haematological cancer diagnosis is provided in dedicated, purpose-built and localised laboratories.Networked: service models in which established laboratories work on the same information network, but are geographically separate and not dedicated solely to haematological cancer diagnosis.Integrated report: A single report summarising all elements of laboratory diagnosis for a specific patient episode i.e. based on available haematological cytology, histopathology, immunophenotyping by flow cytometry, cytogenetics, FISH and molecular genetics and in accordance with the current WHO diagnostic classification.Integration: The process of producing an integrated report.

Cancer care in Brazil: structure and geographical distribution

“…The treatment of haematologic malignancies requires specific treatment centres because of the complexity and specificity of the tumours [39]. Ensuring comprehensive treatment of the affected patients is critical because these tumours are highly curable [40]. Although the number of haematology-oncology services in Brazil is close to that recommended by the norms, little is known about the quality, the complexity of the services offered, and the treatment outcomes.…”

Non-Responsive Coeliac Disease: A Comprehensive Review from the NHS England National Centre for Refractory Coeliac Disease

“…The requirement for multiple diagnostic modalities in the evolving methodology of diagnosing RCD supports the diagnosis of RCD within integrated haemato-pathology systems [62]. Currently, such specialized testing is limited to specialist centers with an interest in RCD, and further research is warranted to validate diagnostic methodology, classification criteria, and prognostic systems, as well as developing novel biomarkers before diagnostics in RCD can be delivered in a more widely available and quality assured manner.…”

Infections Due to Carbapenem-Resistant Bacteria in Patients With Hematologic Malignancies

“…In economically developed regions of the world, 8 to 10% of the annual new cancer diagnoses account for hematological malignancies (HM) and one-third of the HM patients are expected to die of their disease (Chen and Chen, 2014;Errahhali et al, 2016;Batista et al, 2017; Medecine Matters, 2020) 1 . Lymphoid neoplasm represents about three-quarters of all HM, and within this group, mature B-cell malignancies dominate (source 2 ) (Snowden et al, 2017).…”