I am hoping for a cure

When you were first diagnosed your haematologist may have told you the disheartening news that "there is no cure."

It’s true that no drug today can wipe away your MPD – but new research is pointing the way toward better treatments and we hope one day a real cure for myeloproliferative disorders.

Want a cure? Ideas to explore

Learn what’s happening

The discovery of the JAK2 mutation was a major step in improving our understanding of myeloproliferative disorders. New drugs called JAK2 inhibitors are now in Phase 2 trials in the US and the UK. These drugs are showing promise in treating myelofibrosis and will soon be opened to trial in other MPDs. Read more about the latest research on our News & Events blog. If you need a primer, please visit our research pages for more information.

Consider a trial

You may be a candidate for a clinical trial if you have myelofibrosis, or if you have ET and PV and have not been able to tolerate standard treatments, or if they have been ineffective for you. Learn more about clinical trials in the UK in our research section. Please contact us at info@mpdvoice.org.uk for information about trials in the UK. You can also find information about international trials on the National Institutes of Health website (US).

Watch a video

If you’d like to hear a first-hand account of participating in the JAK2 inhibitor trial, watch our video interview of Albert, a man with myelofibrosis who is enrolled in the inhibitor trials.

Share your data

MPD Voice is compiling information about pregnant women with MPDs; we’re working in conjunction with UKOSS in the UK. You can share information about your condition anonymously, and this information will be used to research the causes of MPDs and the best treatments. We’re planning to begin a study of the causes of MPDs in 2011 and you will be able to share your data with researchers across the UK – please stay tuned.

Talk to someone

It can be stressful to live from day to day with an illness, knowing that there is currently no cure. You may want to talk with someone in a similar situation – someone who understands what you are going through. MPD Voice offers a peer support programme that can match you with an MPD buddy. You may also wish to attend one of our MPD patients’ forums.

Help us fund research

MPD Voice is raising funds to begin and continue clinical trials. You can be part of the team by raising funds on your own or participate in an MPD Voice fundraising event.

Make a donation or leave a legacy

Would you like to underwrite the costs of a nurse or junior researcher in a drug trial for MPDs? Please contact us at fundraising@mpdvoice.org.uk to learn about the many ways in which you can help.

The cure isn't here yet - but you can take action, learn more, or talk things through.