Thrombocythemia

Treatment

Essential thrombocythemia is not curable, and treatment cannot prevent it from progressing to a more severe stage. There is evidence that interventions early in the disease in people without symptoms affect the outcome or improve survival. Long-term complications of ET may include the development of acute leukemia in a small number of patients, and the development of fibrosis in the bone marrow, which is called postthrombocythemia myelofibrosis. Both conditions adversely affect the prognosis in patients with ET.

Studies have shown that patients older than 60 and those who have experienced previous complications are at significant risk for recurrent problems from this disorder. Reducing the platelet count by medications has been shown to reduce complications in these patients.

Various medications may be used to reduce platelets, including hydroxyurea, anagrelide, interferon and busulfan. Each medication is associated with its own side effects, and treatment needs to be tailored to each patient. No single treatment method works for all patients.

Aspirin may be appropriate for many ET patients for prevention of blood clots and treatment of other ET related symptoms. However, in patients with very high platelet counts, aspirin may lead to bleeding. Aspirin therapy, and all other therapy, should be discussed and directed by a health care provider familiar with the disease.