Myelofibrosis is an uncommon type of blood cancer wherein scar tissue develops in the bone marrow, the soft tissue inside the bones that produce blood cells. It’s a form of persistent leukemia in which excessive abnormal blood cells are generated. These cells may eventually replace healthy cells. Treatment for this condition aims at controlling symptoms, such as anemia and an enlarged spleen. Keep reading to learn more about myelofibrosis and its management.

Myelofibrosis types
Myelofibrosis (MF) comes in two different types- primary myelofibrosis and secondary myelofibrosis. Primary myelofibrosis is a disorder that develops on its own. Secondary myelofibrosis, meanwhile, can develop from another bone marrow condition, such as polycythemia vera (PV) or essential thrombocythemia (ET).

Stages of primary myelofibrosis
Unlike other cancer types, primary myelofibrosis does not have distinct stages. A physician might use the Dynamic International Prognostic Scoring System (DIPSS) to place you in a low/intermediate/high-risk category. They’ll take into account if you-

• Have a white blood cell count of more than 25x109 cells per liter and
• Have a hemoglobin amount below 10 grams per deciliter
• Have circulating blast cells equivalent to or less than 1%
• If you are over 65
• If you exhibit signs like tiredness, night sweats, fever, and body mass loss

If none of the above situations apply, you are considered a minimal risk. However, meeting one or two of these conditions might place you in the intermediate-risk category.

Myelofibrosis signs and symptoms
The common symptoms of myelofibrosis are listed below.

• Illnesses that happen due to low white blood cell counts
• Easy bruising or hemorrhaging due to low platelet counts
• Fatigue, breathlessness, weakening, or paleness due to low red blood cell counts
• Abdominal pain, body mass loss, and low appetite occurring due to an enlarged
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Itchy skin
• Pain in the bones or joints

Myelofibrosis Treatments
The therapy for myelofibrosis depends on the diagnosis and the patient’s symptoms. Some common myelofibrosis treatments advised by health experts include-

Radiation therapy
High-powered beams, like X-rays, are used in radiation therapy to destroy cancerous cells. When surgical removal of the spleen is not an option, radiation therapy can help decrease the size of the spleen.

Surgery to remove the spleen (Splenectomy)
Surgically removing the spleen is advised if other treatments have not been effective and your spleen is enlarged and causing painful complications. A doctor will evaluate your specific circumstance and decide whether or not this treatment is a viable choice. The patient should be carefully observed for health complications after surgery.

Stem cell replacement therapy
It is one of the most effective treatments for myelofibrosis. It is a risky procedure that depends on finding an appropriate donor. However, this treatment is not suggested for all myelofibrosis patients. Therefore, it is advised to consult a health expert regarding the potential complications that can arise due to this treatment and proceed if it is safe for you.

Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy targets specific abnormal proteins inside the cancerous cells. In the case of myelofibrosis, this treatment focuses on cells with JAK2 gene mutation. Furthermore, this treatment also helps reduce symptoms of an enlarged spleen.

Therapeutic trials
Clinical studies could lead to the discovery of additional treatments. Clinical trials can take advantage of the most recent remedies or combinations of therapies while expanding the understanding of the illness and its available treatments.

Many individuals do not initially experience symptoms of myelofibrosis until cancer reaches advanced stages. Although there is no known therapy for primary myelofibrosis, numerous other treatments and clinical trials are underway to manage symptoms and enhance the patient’s quality of life. If left untreated, myelofibrosis can lead to various complications, such as progressive abdominal distension, severe anemia, and more. Understanding the early warning signs and risk factors contributing to the condition helps patients diagnose it early and receive prompt treatment. In some instances, primary myelofibrosis can progress into a very aggressive form of blood cancer known as acute myeloid leukemia.