Myelofibrosis: Advances in Treatment and Therapy

The goal of treatment for most patients with myelofibrosis is to relieve symptoms. A provider will use a formula to assign a risk category (indicating aggressiveness) for the disease. Myelofibrosis categorized as low risk may not require treatment. Instead, a provider would monitor a patient’s health through regular checkup to watch for signs of disease progression. For those patients with intermediate- or high-risk, treatment most often focuses on managing symptoms. CANCER BUZZ spoke to Aaron Gerds, MD, MS, Associate Professor of Medicine in Hematology & Medical Oncology, Deputy Director for Clinical Research at the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute, and Medical Director at the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Clinical Research Office in Cleveland, OH. Hear Dr. Gerds discuss standard of care treatment options and new therapies for treating patients with myelofibrosis.

“I think the biggest thing when taking care of patients with myelofibrosis is to know what is driving the disease in the patient in front of you. What are the mutations and chromosomes driving disease as well as symptoms and presentation of disease.”

“There is a big focus on quality of life for myelofibrosis, but none of these things that patients feel are solely from disease…”

Aaron Gerds, MD, MS

Associate Professor of Medicine in Hematology & Medical Oncology

Deputy Director for Clinical Research

Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute

Medical Director, Clinical Research Office

Case Comprehensive Cancer Center

Cleveland, OH

Resources:

·       Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

·       MPN Research Foundation 

This project is supported by AbbVie.