Treatment:

There is no specific treatment for myelofibrosis. Treatment depends on the symptoms and degree of the low blood counts.

The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms. Treatment may involve:

• Blood transfusions to correct anemia
• Radiation and chemotherapy
• Medicines called recombinant erythropoietin or androgens to help stimulate red blood cell production
• Splenectomy (removal of the spleen) if swelling causes symptoms, or to help with anemia

In young people, bone marrow or stem cell transplants appear to improve the outlook, and may cure the disease.

Expectations (prognosis):

This disorder causes slowly worsening bone marrow failure with severe anemia. Low platelet count leads to easy bleeding. Spleen swelling may slowly get worse.

The average survival of people with primary myelofibrosis is about 5 years. However, some people may survive for decades.

Complications:

• Acute myelogenous leukemia
• Liver failure

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of this disorder develop. Uncontrolled bleeding, shortness of breath, or jaundice that gets worse need urgent or emergency care.