Diagnosing Myeloproliferative Neoplasms
DiagnosisAt NewYork-Presbyterian, our team of cancer specialists understands that diagnosing myeloproliferative neoplasms is not always straightforward–many MPNs do not exhibit symptoms until the disease has progressed.
There are no screening or prevention methods for MPNs; these diseases usually present themselves during routine physicals or as symptoms from the abnormal production of blood or stem cell test results. Clinicians will conduct a blood examination, bone marrow biopsy, and molecular testing to confirm a diagnosis.
How is Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Treated?
TreatmentsCutting-edge approaches to cancer cures are offered at NewYork-Presbyterian. Our comprehensive range of treatments is among the most sophisticated available. Myeloproliferative neoplasms require specialized therapies targeted to combat specific cancers.
Treatments for myeloproliferative neoplasms may include:
- Chemotherapy is the most common course of treatment for MPNs. Most often, it is taken orally, but chemotherapy can also be administered intravenously.
- Targeted therapies are believed to cause fewer adverse side effects than traditional chemotherapy. Targeted therapies attack diseased cells while avoiding healthy cells.
- Bone marrow transplants have become the standard care for blood cancers. Our cancer care units offer special airflow systems for our immunocompromised patients, and individual monitoring makes our patients' comfort and future prognosis the number one priority.
- Radiation therapy is not the usual course of treatment for blood cancers, but it is sometimes used to prepare for a bone marrow transplant
- Clinical trials - NewYork-Presbyterian has partnered with some of the most prestigious medical school staff from Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons and Weill Cornell Medicine in developing advanced technologies which prove to be successful in treating myeloproliferative neoplasms. These clinical trials are imperative in the efforts to find cures for blood cancer. The oncology doctors at NewYork-Presbyterian can advise you if a clinical trial might be a viable option for you.
The side effects of the treatment of myeloproliferative neoplasms can seem distressing. At NewYork-Presbyterian, we understand your worries—our team of compassionate and knowledgeable professionals leads cancer support groups tailored to your specific type of cancer.
Why Choose Us
Why Choose UsMultidisciplinary approach to care
You'll receive expert care for your specific type of myeloproliferative neoplasm—whether it's polycythemia vera, essential thrombocytopenia, primary myelofibrosis, or chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Our specialists are devoted to improving care for people with MPNs—including our internationally renowned thrombosis and hemostasis experts who are advancing care for patients with MPN who have bleeding and clotting complications. Our physicians and scientists work hand-in-hand, bridging the gap between the laboratory and the clinic to offer innovative therapies. The goal of treatment is to reduce the excessive number of blood cells.
Treatment tailored to you
Each type of myeloproliferative disorder has its unique characteristics and prognosis. At NewYork-Presbyterian, we take the time to get to know our patients, their medical history, and MPN challenges to better manage their quality of life. We help you understand your treatment choices so you can make an informed decision about what's best for you. It may help to put your mind at ease to know that while MPNs are serious and cannot be cured, we are often able to control them, and many people live with them for many years.
Cutting-edge clinical trials
When you come to NewYork-Presbyterian for MPN care, you'll have access to clinical trials assessing promising new therapies. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and novel techniques, the physicians and medical researchers in our MPN Center are making groundbreaking discoveries aimed at advancing the treatment of these diseases and improving the quality of life of patients with MPNs around the world. Learn More.
Comprehensive range of treatments
Depending on the type of MPN you have and other factors, your treatment may include:
- Watchful waiting—monitoring you and not starting treatment unless you develop symptoms
- Removing some of your blood if you have polycythemia vera
- Platelet transfusions for low platelet counts caused by myelofibrosis
- Red blood cell transfusions or red cell growth factors for anemia caused by myelofibrosis
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapies, such as imatinib or dasatinib, for CML and ruxolitinib for myelofibrosis
- Stem cell transplantation, in some instances
At NewYork-Presbyterian, we offer all of these treatments, carefully tailoring your therapy to meet your individual needs.
Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Treatment
The dedicated specialists at NewYork-Presbyterian treat all types of myeloproliferative neoplasms. Their hopes are to improve the quality of life for patients while focusing on treating their disease with the most advanced treatments available. The comprehensive care offered by NewYork-Presbyterian makes us one of the leading hospitals in research and groundbreaking therapies.
Call to schedule an appointment with one of our top cancer care specialists. Understanding the symptoms and treatments available to you can be the first step toward a healthier life. Additionally, NewYork-Presbyterian treats a wide variety of blood cancers.