Jak2 positive, biopsy next: Does it mean I have blood cancer?

Hi @arti4, as it happens, @tkp22 asked a very similar question a little while ago. Hence I moved your post to this existing discussion:
- Jak2 positive, biopsy next: Does it mean I have blood cancer? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/jak2-positive/

I think you may appreciate the comments in the discussion.

Hi group, I had a Jak2 that came back positive. From what I understand anything over o.o6 is a positive test. Mine came back at 0.07. No symtoms just abnormal blood work. Do I have a need for concern? Thanks very much

Raleigh

You didn't mention your age which seems to be a boundary when it comes to treatment. As I understand over 60 years and or a Transient Ischemic Attack (mild sign of stoke) we are considered high risk and put on medication. as I understand hydroxurea is first line. It may take a few tries to get the dose right I'm 76, on hydrox 500mg 5 days a week however, it took a couple of doses and phlebotomies to get me where I needed to be. I'm handling this dose of hydrox very well along with a baby asa living a normal life without issues. I'm lucky to have MDAnderson 40 minutes away.. However please know this diagnosis ,from my research, is very manageable and if you get care and make you appointments we all will live a long life. Just a gentle reminder abnormal lab work are symptoms. I wish you luck and believe you reaching out for information, getting educated is very wise..Good luck..

Hi, I'm 68 and I have not had any signs of a stroke. I'm being treated by the Mayo Clinic in Rochester MN.

Thanks for the good wishes.

I’m pretty much the same as jackiecarry above. I’m 71 and had a JAK2 positive reading 3 years ago.
Started out with phlebotomies and now just taking hydroxyurea (500mg 4x week) as my #’s have been stable. I do have monthly blood tests submitted to my doctor.

Hello, were you diagnosed with PV? Some people can just do phlebotomies or just do the hydroxyurea from what I’ve read. If your platelets are high you need both usually. I was diagnosed almost two years ago with PV getting phlebotomies about every eight weeks and take the hydroxyurea 3X a week. Took about 5 months to get the dosage correct but I’m aware that could be changed accordingly. Just wondering if I will always need the phlebotomies. Honestly, I prefer that to the drugs but he said as long as my platelets remain over 600, safe number for me, I need the meds. Currently dwindle around 500.

I am 82 and I have Jak2
I take HU and my platelets are down to about 370. But I have a question. I am curious if anyone here that has Jak2 has been genetically tested for Brca 1 Brca2

I guess I need clarification. Members saying they are Jak2 positive......but don't indicate the platelets out of control. Was Jak2 determined by a blood test? or a bone marrow biopsy/aspiration. Can you have Jak2 mutation without having out of control platelets? ?And in which case it's just watchful waiting for platelets to get out of control? many thanks for any answers you can provide

I found an article for you that may help explain about the JAK2 gene and how an acquired mutation to this gene can cause issues within the bone marrow.
Essential Thrombocythemia (ET) is just one of several conditions that can be related to the JAK2 mutation and are referred to as myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs)

MPNs occur when blood stem cells produce too many of one or more types of blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
This is generally a progressive condition and many people diagnosed will be in an active surveillance period until there are significant enough changes to warrant treatment. And sometimes there are no progressions and treatment isn’t necessary. Everyone is different! That’s why you’ll see some members who are not on any medications and some are taking increased dosages.

Not everyone who has the JAK2 mutation requires treatment and conversely there can be people with elevated blood cells who don’t have this mutation. The body, especially the blood/bone marrow/immune system, is so incredibly complex as you’re finding out!
From Verywellhealth.com:
https://www.verywellhealth.com/jak2-mutation-5217909
Hopefully this article will help to clarify some of your questions. If not, let me know!

I was & the results were negative.