Srdan Verstovsek, MD, PhD, Medical Oncologist and Professor in the Department of Leukemia at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, discusses the need for clinicians to be more optimistic about the outcomes of patients with myelofibrosis.
Myelofibrosis is a rare cancer characterized by extensive scarring of the bone marrow and the disruption of normal blood cells production. This leads to severe anemia that can cause weakness and fatigue. Bone marrow scarring can also lead to low platelet levels, which increases the risk of bleeding. Additionally, myelofibrosis often causes an enlarged spleen. Treatment options vary with the disease severity. For younger patients, allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation is, at present, the only potentially curative therapy for myelofibrosis but in patients not suitable for AHSCT, numerous targeted therapies are available and/or in development.
As Dr. Verstovsek explains, he is concerned that clinicians may be too focused about outcome measures such as quality of life that can paint a bleak picture for this rare cancer rather viewing this cancer as a chronic condition that can be managed with targeted therapies.
To learn more about myelofibrosis and other rare cancers, visit https://checkrare.com/diseases/cancers