Myelofibrosis (MF) is a chronic disease. It's important that your doctor is experienced in treating myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) or works in consultation with a hematology-oncologist who has experience treating MPN patients.

 
Types of MF Treatment

For MF patients who have symptoms, doctors use several types of treatment:

• Chemotherapy and drug therapy  
• Radiation therapy 
• Splenectomy
• Stem cell transplantation 
• Your doctor may suggest that you participate in a clinical trial. Clinical trials can involve therapy with new drugs and new drug combinations. (link to hidden page)

In addition, blood transfusions and iron and folate replacement are generally important aspects of care.

Finding the Best Treatment Approach

Patients who don't have symptoms are generally not treated. A large proportion of symptom-free patients remain stable for years without treatment.

For patients with symptoms, the goals of MF treatment are to:

• Relieve symptoms
• Reduce the risk of complications

As you develop a treatment plan with your doctor, be sure to discuss:

• The results you can expect from treatment
• Potential side effects
• The possibility of participating in a clinical trial, where you'll have access to advanced medical treatment that may be more beneficial to you than standard treatment

You may find it helpful to bring a loved one with you to your doctor's visits for support and to take notes and ask follow-up questions. It's a good idea to prepare questions you'd like to ask when you visit your doctor. You can also record your conversations with your doctor and listen more closely when you get home.

Click here to download lists of suggested questions to ask your healthcare providers.