UNDERSTANDING MPNS

AN OVERVIEW OF MPNS

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are a closely related group of progressive blood cancers in which the bone marrow typically overproduces one of the mature blood elements. Other shared features include tendencies toward blood clotting/bleeding, organ enlargement, bone marrow scarring (fibrosis) and a possibility of transformation. Although MPNs can strike anyone at any age, most patients are afflicted in the sixth decade of life or later.

Stem cell transplants may offer a cure for some myelofibrosis sufferers. But there are no known cures for most MPNs. However, patients can experience few or no symptoms for extended periods of time and many people who suffer from MPNs can enjoy longevity with proper monitoring and treatment. The identification of the JAK2 gene marker in 2005 and the CALR gene marker in 2013 have led to significant advances in the diagnosis, understanding of disease processes and treatment of MPNs.

At MPN Research Foundation, we’re committed to funding researchers in their quest to treat and ultimately cure MPNs. But even more importantly, we’re committed to providing patients, their families and the entire MPN community with advocacy, education, and resources. Working together, we can change the prognosis and create a brighter future for people whose lives are affected by this group of diseases.

TYPES OF MPNS

There are three blood cancer types that are categorized as “classic” MPNs: Primary Myelofibrosis (MF), Essential Thrombocythemia (ET), and Polycythemia Vera (PV).

  • Primary Myelofibrosis (MF) – Most commonly seen in men and women over the age of 60, MF is a chronic blood cancer in which the bone marrow function is impacted by scarring. Patients often have associated symptoms and an enlarged spleen. MF can occur in patients with no prior history of an MPN (primary MF) or as a progression of PV or ET.
  • Essential Thrombocythemia (ET)  – ET is a blood malignancy that is typically characterized by an elevation of platelets in the blood. It is most prevalent in women over the age of 50 and common symptoms include blood clotting and bleeding. ET patients have a later risk of progression to MF.
  • Polycythemia Vera (PV)  – Characterized by an elevation of red blood cells, PV is most commonly diagnosed in men over the age of 60. PV patients often exhibit elevated white blood cell and platelet counts as well as an enlarged spleen.

MUTATIONS

What are genetic mutations?

Many MPNs are characterized by the abnormal growth of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets – events that can be caused by genetic mutations.

In 2005, researchers discovered an important genetic mutation associated with the MPNs. Since then researchers have discovered additional mutations including the JAK2, CALR, TET2, and MPL gene markers.

Genetic Mutations and MPN Treatments

The discovery of genetic mutations has led to significant developments in the treatment of MPNs. For example, in the wake of identifying the JAK2 mutation, researchers and physicians have been able to inhibit the JAK2 gene with a variety of compounds including a JAK inhibitor which has been approved by the FDA as well as other drugs still being tested in clinical trials.

Research is ongoing to identify and explain genetic underpinnings for the cause of the MPNs. At MPN Research Foundation, our commitment to funding leading-edge research in the area of MPN genetic mutations and gene therapies is just one of the ways that we drive improved patient outcomes and carry out our mission to work tirelessly to change the prognosis for MPN patients and their families.

TREATMENTS

Treatments for MPNs 
If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with an MPN, it’s important to know that blood cancer treatments have come a long way over the past decade, significantly improving the quality of life for MPN patients and their families. At MPN Research Foundation, we’re proud to fund research that is leading to advances in treatment and ultimately, a cure for myelofibrosis (MF), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and polycythemia vera (PV). But just as importantly, we’re committed to helping patients and their families understand MPN treatments as well as the novel therapies, clinical trials and emerging treatments that are shaping the way we approach MPNs going forward.

Available Treatments
There are a wide variety of treatments available for MPN sufferers based on the type of disease, the severity of symptoms and other variables:

Clinical Trials
Learn more about current clinical trials for the latest drugs to treat MPN symptoms.

Drug Reimbursements
Discover how to navigate drug reimbursements and the use of off-label prescriptions for blood cancer treatment.

PREVALENCE

How Prevalent Are MPNs?

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with an MPN, it’s important to know that you’re not alone.

While incidence rates refer to the number of new patients diagnosed with an MPN each year, prevalence rates indicate the total number of patients living with an MPN at any given time. And with earlier diagnoses and better tracking, the numbers appear to be growing.

MPN Prevalence in the U.S. 

Recently, researchers from the Mayo Clinic, Boston University School of Public Health and the pharmaceutical company Sanofi’s department of Global Evidence & Value Development, concluded a study of the prevalence of the myeloproliferative neoplasms in the U.S. Their findings were reported at the American Society of Hematology annual meeting in 2012 and in a recent scientific publication.

Age-Adjusted Prevalence (per 100,000) for MPN Subgroups of Interest for Two Large U.S. Health Plans, 2008-2010.

MPN foundation

MF=Myelofibrosis; PV=Polycythemia vera; ET=Essential thrombocythemia

Based on MarketScan database estimates from 2010 (which were lower than the Impact database estimates), the projected prevalence for MPNs in the U.S. on December 31, 2010 was:

  • MF – 12,812
  • PV – 148,363
  • ET – 134,534

The study results suggest that MPN prevalence is much higher than previously reported.

MPN Prevalence Rates and You 

For patients, the key takeaway from MPN prevalence rates is that you don’t have to walk through this difficult period of your life alone. Although reported MPN prevalence rates are increasing, it could be due to better tracking of these diseases as well as earlier diagnosis. The good news is that there is a vibrant MPN community comprised of researchers, healthcare practitioners and other patients on hand to provide information and emotional support.

At MPN Research Foundation, we’re proud to play an important role in the MPN community by supporting patients and families through research, advocacy and education. Working in tandem with the healthcare and research communities, we’re dedicated to changing your prognosis and helping you identify a path toward a brighter future.

References:
Epidemiology of Myeloproliferative Disorders in US – a real world analysis Poster presented at ASH 2012 Ruben A. Mesa1, Jyotsna Mehta2*, Hongwei Wang2*, Yanxin Wang2*, Usman Iqbal2*, Frank Neumann3, Yanzhen Zhang3* and Theodore Colton4*
Epidemiology of Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) in the United States. Leuk Lymphoma. Epub 2013 Jyotsna Mehta1, Hongwei Wang2, Usman Iqbal2, Ruben Mesa1 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23768070

THE ENVIRONMENT AND MPNS

A frequent question for someone diagnosed with an MPN is “how did I get this?” Very often newly diagnosed patients wonder about exposure to chemicals. There is some evidence that exposure to chemicals plays a role in the onset of an MPN. More research is needed to confirm the role and extent that environment plays.

Here is a collection of the known information about the exposure to chemicals and MPN:

News on the Polycythemia Vera cluster found in Pennsylvania

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