2026 Annual Meeting Long Course – Challenges and Controversies in Hematopathology: Classification Dilemmas in Search of Solutions

Course Description Our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of hematopoietic and lymphoid tumors has advanced greatly in the last decade. The explosion of next generation technologies and novel complex molecular testing methodologies have made it possible to interrogate tumor genomes with such precision that the promise of personalized medicine is becoming realized. However, this plethora of information also necessitates constant reappraisal of disease definitions and diagnostic criteria. The practice of hematopathology today requires the integration of numerous types of ancillary studies to render a diagnosis as well as provide guidance for highly nuanced patient management strategies. This Long Course aims to examine specific knowledge gaps and areas of complexity in our current understanding of disease processes across a spectrum of selected challenging myeloid and lymphoid disorders. We will answer the following questions: How do I integrate morphology with ancillary testing results? What tests should I order to make sure I am covering the differential diagnostic considerations? How do I balance practical considerations with completeness in working up hematolymphoid neoplasms? Am I using the latest testing methodologies to address the clinical questions? Each lecture will be accompanied by a case that illustrates a particular diagnostic challenge, showing how to approach difficult scenarios in an efficient yet comprehensive manner. At the end of the course, the learners will have improved understanding on how to workup and diagnose common and unusual myeloid, histiocytic, B-cell, and T-cell proliferations and what appropriate immunophenotypic and genetic testing to perform.