Connect
← Return to Essential thrombocythemia
Discussion
Comment receiving replies
Since there is no cure for Essential Thrombocythemia, and it is a progressive disease, why are doctors not prescribing bone marrow transplants when it appears to be the only real cure. From what I've understood Hydroxyurea is very dangerous and can demkae, in the long tern, develope my ET into acute leukemia. Also why do some doctors call this chronic leukemia and some do not?
Replies to "Since there is no cure for Essential Thrombocythemia, and it is a progressive disease, why are..."
I read that bone marrow transplants are Only for the MPN myelofibrosis I have not heard ET called chronic leukemia. I don’t think that’s right. It could turn into leukemia and I think Hydrea increases The chances of that happening For some. I am not a doctor.
It’s my understanding that bone marrow transplants are very risky as many patients reject the marrow. Not everyone is eligible. I believe age is a factor in eligibility but not sure. I have ET and am holding off taking hydrea as long as possible due to its potential side effects. Hoping to take Pegasys which is a pegalated interferon when the time comes. Some doctors call it a chronic leukemia because it is a blood cancer. Some doctors still say it as a “blood disorder” even though it’s been classified as a cancer since 2008 when the mutations were discovered.
Connect
Have you had Side effects taking the Hydrea?