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Stem Cell Replacement
Hi. I have just been diagnosed with ET and my bone marrow tests show I would be a good candidate for stem cell replacement. Anyone else heard that this is a good way to go for remission?
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A transplant is the only cure, although not without risks, especially for the aged.
I had primary CNS lymphoma & had stem cell transplant at age 58. That was 6 years ago. I am cured!
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7 ReactionsWelcome to Connect, @shellep16 As fellow member @eloise999 mentioned, an allogenic SCT (using donor cells) would be the only potential cure for ET. Most often myeloproliferative diseases such as essential thrombocythemia (ET) or polycythemia vera (PV) are treated with medications such as Hydroxyurea, Jakafi, Besremi, etc..
Since it is a complex procedure with its own potential side effects, a bone marrow transplant, from my understanding, is reserved for patients with advanced ET or PV.
Having had an allogenic transplant myself for AML, it is a rigorous process with a lengthy recovery time. But certainly worth the effort for being able to have a 2nd chance at life.
Since you were recently diagnosed with ET, has your doctor suggested alternative treatment options besides the transplant? Did they feel you were at higher risk for developing AML? What were the mutations, such as JAK2, CALR, listed for with your diagnosis?