High risk Myelofibrosis
What Is High Risk Myelofibrosis?
Myelofibrosis (MF) is a type of bone marrow cancer that involves the progressive transformation of healthy bone marrow into fibrous tissue. It can be classified into lower risk and high-risk categories based on molecular and clinical features. High-risk myelofibrosis (HRMF) is a severe form of MF that carries a poor prognosis. It is associated with an increased risk of acute myeloid leukemia and death.
Common signs and symptoms of high risk myelofibrosis include:
- Easy Bruising
- Fatigue
- Frequent Infections
- Unexplained Weight Loss
- Coughing
- Night Sweats
- Abdominal Swelling or Pain
- Severe Shortness of Breath
Common tests and procedures used to diagnose and evaluate high risk myelofibrosis include:
- Complete Blood Count ( CBC) to quantify red Blood Cells, white blood cells, and platelets
- Bloodtest for Cell surface markers: CD 13, CD33, and CD117
- Bone Marrow Biopsy to evaluate marrow cell structure and function
- Cytogenetics to identify chromosome changes in bone marrow cells
- Genetic testing to identify mutations that may indicate a more aggressive form of myelofibrosis
- Imaging Tests such as MRI, CT Scan or Ultrasound to view the organs and tissues spatial relationships
Treatment for high risk myelofibrosis can vary depending on the severity and extent of the disease. Commonly prescribed treatments include:
- Strong anti-inflammatory medications to relieve discomfort
- Surgery to remove the spleen
- Blood transfusions when needed to maintain healthy red blood cell count
- Targeted therapy to block the growth of abnormal cells
- Chemotherapy to kill rapidly growing cells
- Stem cell transplant to replace damaged or destroyed bone marrow
Though there is no cure for high risk myelofibrosis, there are many treatment options available to help manage the disease in order to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Patients should discuss all their treatment options with their doctor in order to make informed decisions about their care.