Treatments

The goal of any MPD treatment is to safeguard your health both in the short and the long term.

If you have a mild MPD, low-dose aspirin (together with phlebotomy for those with PV) may reduce your risks of clotting. If your MPD is more active, your haematologist can recommend treatments to reduce your blood cell production. If you have MF, you may be given some of the same treatments used in ET and PV to reduce blood cells production, along with additional drugs.

  • Treatment leaflets

    Download leaflets about hydroxycarbamide, anagrelide, interferon, aspirin and travel.

  • Anagrelide

    Anagrelide slows the production of blood cells. In Europe it is recommended as a second line treatment.

  • Integrative treatment

    Integrative medicine optimizes your wellbeing by looking at health from many different perspectives.

  • Aspirin

    Familiar old aspirin has been demonstrated to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

  • Venesection (phlebotomy)

    If you have PV phlebotomy can reduce your red cell counts by taking out some blood: advice and tips here.

  • Hydroxycarbamide

    Hydroxycarbamide is one of the most frequently prescribed drugs used to treat MPDs.

  • Interferon alpha

    Interferons are substances which occur naturally in our bodies and which fight infections.

  • Thalidomide

    Thalidomide can reduce anaemia and possibly reverse some fibrous deposits in people with myelofibrosis.

  • Cytarabine

    Cytarabine can be used to treat myelofibrosis. It interferes with cell production.

  • Melphalan, busulfan and P32

    These drugs were the main therapies used to treat ET in the past, and are still used in certain situations.

  • Bone marrow transplant

    Bone marrow transplants can be an option for some people with myelofibrosis.

  • Additional treatments

    Additional treatments may be given for myelofibrosis or to control common problems.