Treatment for Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs) in CT, MD, And NJ

The three most common types of MPN disorders are:

• Essential thrombocythemia: This is an MPN disorder that typically affects older individuals. The condition develops when the bone marrow produces too many platelets. Platelets are the elements of blood essential for stopping bleeding when people cut their skin. Platelets control bleeding by forming together to create blood clots.
• Myelofibrosis: This cancerous blood disorder affects bone marrow tissue. Myelofibrosis occurs when bone marrow tissue becomes overtaken by a scar-like substance. Patients with myelofibrosis have high platelet levels that release chemicals that affect the growth of fibroblasts, important cells in the development of the body’s connective tissue. This can cause fibroblasts to overproduce and eventually take over bone marrow. In turn, this can prevent bone marrow from creating blood cells, including platelets.
• Polycythemia vera: This is a rare and chronic MPN disorder. Patients are typically diagnosed with polycythemia vera at an older age. It develops when a genetic mutation in the stem cells causes the body to create too many red blood cells. If left untreated, it can lead to additional health conditions.