Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (also called myeloproliferative disorders, or MPNs) are a group of blood diseases characterized by an overproduction of blood cells by the bone marrow. At NewYork-Presbyterian, our highly skilled and experienced medical professionals care for many patients with MPNs and pursue research to improve the understanding and treatment of these rare illnesses. Our ultimate goal is to find a cure for your disease.

Team Approach

You’ll receive expert care for your specific type of myeloproliferative neoplasm—whether it’s polycythemia vera, essential thrombocytopenia, primary myelofibrosis, or chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Our specialists dedicate their life’s work to improving care for people with MPNs—including, our internationally renowned thrombosis and hemostasis experts who are advancing care for patients with MPN that have bleeding and clotting complications. Our physicians and scientists work hand-in-hand, bridging the gap between the laboratory and the clinic to offer innovative therapies. The goal of treatment is to reduce the excessive number of blood cells.

Personalized Care

Each type of myeloproliferative disorder has its characteristics and prognosis. At NewYork-Presbyterian, we take the time to get to know our patients, their medical history, and MPN challenges to manage their quality of life better. We help you understand your treatment choices so you can make an informed decision about what’s best for you. It may help to put your mind at ease to know that while MPNs are serious and cannot be cured, we are often able to control them, and many people live with them for many years.

Clinical Trials

When you come to NewYork-Presbyterian for MPN care, you'll have access to clinical trials assessing promising new therapies. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and novel techniques, the physicians and medical researchers in our MPN Center are making groundbreaking discoveries aimed at advancing the treatment of these diseases and improving the quality of life of patients with MPNs around the world. Learn More.

Comprehensive Range of Treatments

Depending on the type of MPN you have and other factors, your treatment may include:

• Watchful waiting—monitoring you and not starting treatment unless you develop symptoms
• Removing some of your blood if you have polycythemia vera
• Platelet transfusions for low platelet counts caused by myelofibrosis
• Red blood cell transfusions or red cell growth factors for anemia caused by myelofibrosis
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted therapies, such as imatinib or dasatinib, for CML and ruxolitinib for myelofibrosis
• Stem cell transplantation in certain cases

At NewYork-Presbyterian, we offer all of these treatments, carefully tailoring your therapy to meet your individual needs.