In 2016, the WHO (World Healthcare Organization) classified two stages of primary myelofibrosis (PMF): early/prefibrotic PMF (pre-PMF) and overt PMF. We generally focus on primary myelofibrosis. However, pre-PMF is a rare, distinct, and progressive blood cancer that can evolve into PMF and acute leukemia.
Pre-PMF is an earlier stage of the disease compared to overt primary myelofibrosis (PMF). Patients with pre-PMF might not experience all the symptoms typically associated with myelofibrosis. The key difference between the two is in the bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside the bones where blood cells are produced.
In pre-PMF, there is minimal or no noticeable bone marrow fibrosis (scarring) compared to overt PMF, where fibrosis is more prominent and significantly disrupts blood cell production.
Patients with pre-PMF might not experience all the symptoms typically associated with myelofibrosis, but it can mimic the symptoms of other similar diseases like essential thrombocythemia (ET). For an accurate diagnosis, it will be important to rule out all other options; for that, a bone marrow biopsy will be required.
A clinical and bone marrow examination will show the following:
While pre-PMF may not cause immediate symptoms, it's important to be aware of and monitor the condition closely. Early diagnosis and management can help improve a patient's long-term health.
Pre-PMF is classified according to the likelihood of it progressing to overt PMF and survival. Several factors can increase the odds, including:
Patients then can be classified into:
See Healthtree's Clinical Trial Finder HERE.
The survival of patients with pre-PMF is directly linked to potentially progressing to PMF, and even between patients in the same risk group, there is a lot of variability in disease progression. Other factors like overall health or other medical conditions can also affect survival. However, studies report a median overall survival for pre-PMF patients ranging from 8 years to over 20 years.
In 2016, the WHO (World Healthcare Organization) classified two stages of primary myelofibrosis (PMF): early/prefibrotic PMF (pre-PMF) and overt PMF. We generally focus on primary myelofibrosis. However, pre-PMF is a rare, distinct, and progressive blood cancer that can evolve into PMF and acute leukemia.
Pre-PMF is an earlier stage of the disease compared to overt primary myelofibrosis (PMF). Patients with pre-PMF might not experience all the symptoms typically associated with myelofibrosis. The key difference between the two is in the bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside the bones where blood cells are produced.
In pre-PMF, there is minimal or no noticeable bone marrow fibrosis (scarring) compared to overt PMF, where fibrosis is more prominent and significantly disrupts blood cell production.
Patients with pre-PMF might not experience all the symptoms typically associated with myelofibrosis, but it can mimic the symptoms of other similar diseases like essential thrombocythemia (ET). For an accurate diagnosis, it will be important to rule out all other options; for that, a bone marrow biopsy will be required.
A clinical and bone marrow examination will show the following:
While pre-PMF may not cause immediate symptoms, it's important to be aware of and monitor the condition closely. Early diagnosis and management can help improve a patient's long-term health.
Pre-PMF is classified according to the likelihood of it progressing to overt PMF and survival. Several factors can increase the odds, including:
Patients then can be classified into:
See Healthtree's Clinical Trial Finder HERE.
The survival of patients with pre-PMF is directly linked to potentially progressing to PMF, and even between patients in the same risk group, there is a lot of variability in disease progression. Other factors like overall health or other medical conditions can also affect survival. However, studies report a median overall survival for pre-PMF patients ranging from 8 years to over 20 years.
about the author
Lisa Foster
Lisa Foster is a mom of 3 daughters, a puzzle lover, writer and HealthTree advocate. She believes in the mission of the foundation and the team that builds it forward. She calls Houston, Texas home.
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