Therapy-related myeloid neoplasms (t-MN) arise as a late-effect of chemotherapy and/or radiation administered for a primary condition, typically a malignant disease, solid organ transplant, or autoimmune disease. Survival is measured in months, not years, making t-MN one of the most aggressive and lethal cancers. In this review, we discuss recent developments that reframe our understanding of the genetic and environmental etiology of t-MN. Emerging data illuminate who is at highest risk for developing t-MN, why t-MN is chemoresistant, and how we may use this information to treat and ultimately prevent this dreaded disease.