7. Immunomodulatory Agents
Immunomodulatory agents are medications that can help to regulate the activity of the immune system, which can be useful in the treatment of myelofibrosis. These agents can help to reduce the formation of fibrous tissue in the bone marrow.
One example of an immunomodulatory agent is thalidomide. It has been shown to inhibit the production of certain cells that are involved in the formation of fibrous tissue. Thalidomide can also help to reduce inflammation in the bone marrow and improve the production of blood cells. It can be given orally.
6. Targeted Drug Therapy
Targeted drug therapy is another treatment option for myelofibrosis. It uses drugs to target specific cells or proteins that are involved in the development and progression of the disease.
These drugs can help slow down or stop the growth of abnormal cells and ease symptoms associated with myelofibrosis. Examples of these drugs are ruxolitinib and fedratinib.
5. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is typically not used as a primary treatment for myelofibrosis. However, it may be used in certain cases to help control symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.
For example, a drug called hydroxyurea may be used to reduce the number of abnormal cells in the bone marrow. It can help ease symptoms such as fatigue and an enlarged spleen. Chemotherapy may be used in combination with other treatments.
4. Splenectomy
A splenectomy is a surgical procedure in which the spleen is removed. It can be a treatment option for myelofibrosis if the patient is suffering from a significantly enlarged spleen.
The procedure can help reduce the size of the spleen, which can relieve symptoms such as abdominal pain and discomfort, as well as improve blood counts.
3. Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is a treatment that uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors. It is not typically used to treat myelofibrosis because it is not a highly proliferative cancer and it does not form solid tumors.
Instead, radiation therapy is more commonly used to relieve symptoms associated with myelofibrosis such as pain, discomfort, or bleeding caused by an enlarged spleen.
2. Bone Marrow Transplant
One way to treat myelofibrosis is with a bone marrow transplant, which is also called a stem cell transplant. This treatment option tries to get healthy cells to replace the bad ones in the bone marrow.
Bone marrow transplants are considered a high-risk procedure, so it is typically recommended for people with advanced myelofibrosis who have not responded to other treatments.
1. Palliative Care
Palliative care is a special kind of medical care that helps people with serious illnesses feel less pain and other symptoms. It consists of medical specialists who can provide support for the patient and the family.
Palliative care can provide a wide range of services such as symptom management, emotional and psychological support, decision-making, end-of-life care, coordination of care and communication with other healthcare providers, and practical assistance, such as help with transportation and home care
Palliative care complements the ongoing medical treatment the patient is undergoing. It can be provided at any stage of the illness.
These are myelofibrosis symptoms and treatments worth knowing.