What Are Myelofibrosis Treatment Options?

Myelofibrosis is a bone marrow disorder in which the body does not produce blood cells as it should. As a result, the bone marrow becomes scarred, and patients develop severe anemia and fatigue and, in many cases, the spleen and liver become enlarged. There is no known cause for myelofibrosis, but several treatment options are available to help alleviate symptoms.

Blood Transfusions

• Blood transfusions can help myeolofibrosis patients who are severely anemic as a result of the condition. The transfusions increase the red blood cell count and make a person feel less weak and tired.

Chemotherapy

• Chemotherapy can help make the spleen smaller, lessen platelet counts and ease some symptoms of myelofibrosis, including night sweats and weight loss.

Medications

• Taking the oral steroid prednisone along with thalidomide can alleviate many symptoms of myelofibrosis, including anemia, night sweats and shortness of breath.

Radiation

• Radiation is a useful treatment for myeolfibrosis patients who have bone pain.

Androgen

• A synthetic version of androgen, a male hormone, taken with the oral steroid prednisone can help people who have severe anemia as a result of myelofibrosis.

Surgery

• Surgery to remove the spleen can be a useful treatment for people who experience a lot of pain from the spleen and don't respond to other treatments.