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Get a better understandingof myelofibrosis

What is myelofibrosis?

Myelofibrosis (MF) is part of a group of blood cancers called myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). MF is a rare bone marrow cancer that causes scarring in your bone marrow (the spongy tissue inside your bones that makes blood cells) and can get worse over time. The bone marrow scarring that happens in MF affects the way your body usually makes healthy blood cells. Your blood cells have important functions:

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Red blood cells

red blood cells carry oxygen throughout your body

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Platelets

platelets help your blood clot

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White Blood Cells

white blood cells help your body fight infection

What is the cause of myelofibrosis?

When you have a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) like myelofibrosis, there are changes, called mutations, in the DNA of your bone marrow stem cells that cause your bone marrow to make too many abnormal blood cells. These abnormal cells take over, resulting in inflammation that leads to scar tissue (fibrosis).

As the scar tissue continues to form, it doesn’t allow the bone marrow to make enough healthy blood cells, which can cause a drop in:

  • RED BLOOD CELLS
  • PLATELETS
  • WHITE BLOOD CELLS

You might be wondering, "Can myelofibrosis be cured?"

While allogeneic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is the only potential cure for myelofibrosis, it is not always an available option for people based on age, disease course, or other health problems.

The goal of managing myelofibrosis is to control or slow down the disease, improve quality of life, prevent complications, and help manage symptoms.

Explore myelofibrosis symptoms and signs
that myelofibrosis is progressing