BACKGROUNDSpliceosome mutations have been recently identified and associated with hematological malignancies. SRSF2, one of components of the splicing machinery, has a high mutation frequency during chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, according to previous reports. However, the relevance of this finding in Chinese populations remains unknown.

METHODSWe recruited 50 Chinese patients with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia to analyze the state of SRSF2 and to assess the corresponding clinical features by polymerase chain reaction followed by direct sequencing.

RESULTSTen of 50 patients (20%) harbored SRSF2 mutations, including five P95R, two 95H, and three P95L point mutations. The patient group was older than the wild type group (P < 0.01). No significant statistical differences were observed with regard to the other clinical characteristics (sex, peripheral blood count, serum lactate dehydrogenase, karyotype, World Health Organization classification, etc.) between these two groups. Two of the patients showed an early evolution to acute myeloid leukemia.

CONCLUSIONSSRSF2 mutations are frequent in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia patients, but show a relatively lower incidence in Chinese patients. Moreover, the mutation can be related to old age and an unfavorable prognosis. Our results provide valuable insights for the development of a diagnostic marker, or for the identification of a therapeutic target for chronic myelomonocytic leukemia.