Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are a group of rare disorders of the bone marrow.
They are a type of blood cancer, where the bone marrow produces blood cells in an uncontrolled way. Blood cells include red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
Bone marrow is a spongy tissue found inside the bones, where blood cells are made.
Myeloproliferative neoplasms often develop very slowly, so people may have them for years before noticing any symptoms.
In some cases, MPN is found during a routine blood test carried out for another reason, meaning some people are diagnosed before they experience any symptoms or complications related to the condition.
If you do have symptoms, they vary from person to person, depending on which blood cells are affected. The main symptoms of MPN can include:
- increased risk of blood cloths (thrombosis)
- signs of an enlarged spleen - fullness, pressure or discomfort below your ribs on your left side
- fatigue - feeling tired or weak
- bruising more than usual
- bleeding more than usual
- frequent infections
- problems with your eyes, such as blurred vision
- ringing in your ears
- night sweats
- itchy skin
- unexplained weight loss
- frequent headaches
There are three main types of MPN:
- Polycythaemia vera (PV), where your bone marrow produces too many red blood cells
- Essential thrombocythaemia (ET), where your bone marrow produces too many platelets
- Myelofibrosis (MF), where abnormal blood cell production leads to scarring (fibrosis) of the bone marrow
Other less common types of MPN include:
- Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
- Chronic eosinophilic leukemia (CEL)
- Chronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL)
- Myeloproliferative neoplasm, unclassifiable (MPN-U)
Although MPN is classed as a cancer, many people with MPN feel quite well and the condition may not interfere too much with everyday life.
Treatment for myeloproliferative neoplasms at CUH
Myeloproliferative neoplasms often develop slowly and progress slowly or remain stable for a period of time.
Many people with MPN feel well and only need gentle treatment.
There are treatments that reduce the risk of complications, particularly blood clots or bleeding, and may ease symptoms.
The treatment you have depends on several factors, which include:
- the type of MPN you have
- your symptoms
- your blood counts and any previous blood clots or bleeding
- your age and general health
A team of specialists at CUH will meet to discuss your condition and to make a recommendation about the best possible treatment for you.
You, along with your clinician, will then discuss your treatment recommendations at the clinic appointment and decide on the right treatment plan for you. Your clinician will explain different treatment options and possible side effects.
Treatments might include:
- venesection (to reduce the number of blood cells)
- drugs to control the blood counts
- targeted therapy
- bone marrow (stem cell) transplant
- chemotherapy
At times, you may require more than one treatment or a combination of different treatments to control the disease and its symptoms and help you live longer.
MPN cannot usually be cured, but the risk of complications and symptoms can often be managed with treatment. Your clinical team will discuss with you what to expect and will help you control the disease and manage your symptoms.