Simple Summary The myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are chronic blood cancers characterized by elevated blood cell counts and, after decades, the development of bone marrow failure. Blood clots are common and contribute massively to the symptom burden. Treatment with interferon (IFN) alpha-2 normalizes elevated blood cell counts within weeks to months. This treatment has been used […]
MPN Patient Advocacy Works!
by David Wallace I got my first shot of Pegasys 3 days ago, along with my local doctor’s agreement to monitor my counts. It was not without a HARD push on my part, as Doc was still pushing the benefits of HU (hydroxyurea), while reinforcing the numerous risks with Peg. For once, I was glad […]
BESREMi, Ropeginterferon FDA approved Treatment for PV
by David Wallace Patients are Asking – MPN Expert Dr. Ghaith Abu-Zeinah discusses Ropeginterferon (BESREMi), new Treatment for Polycythemia Vera Episode 3 of 3 Ropeginterferon / BESREMi was recently approved by the FDA to treat polycythemia vera. Should I switch from Pegasys to the new FDA approved interferon? How might BESREMi change the treatment paradigm […]
Safety and efficacy of combo therapy of interferon-a2 and ruxolitinib in polycythemia vera and myelofibrosis
by Stine Ulrik Mikkelsen, Lasse Kjær, Mads Emil Bjørn, Trine Alma Knudsen, Anders Lindholm Sørensen, Christen Bertel Lykkegaard Andersen, Ole Weis Bjerrum, Nana Brochmann, Daniel El Fassi, Torben A. Kruse, Thomas Stauffer Larsen, Hans Torben Mourits‐Andersen, Claus Henrik Nielsen, Niels Pallisgaard, Mads Thomassen, Vibe Skov, Hans Carl Hasselbalch Abstract Interferon‐α2 reduces elevated blood cell counts […]
Heidi’s MPN Story – An Increasing Trend in Patient Advocacy
by Heidi Cascarano “Watch and Wait…” What other cancer, in the 21st century, is so misunderstood that your local doctor will struggle to diagnose you, possibly tell you he has a few other patients with it, then advise you to do nothing but get a therapeutic phlebotomy and take a baby aspirin? You get online […]