What are MPNs?
Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are a class of rare but potentially life-threatening blood cancers. They start out due to a mutation in a bone marrow stem cell, which then leads to an overproduction of blood cells.
The major MPN subtypes are Essential Thrombocythemia (ET), Myelofibrosis (MF) and Polycythemia Vera (PV). For many patients, living with an MPN means a reduced quality of life and shortened survival.*
What’s behind MPNs?
Myeloproliferative neoplasms are characterized by specific molecular markers.
Most patients with an MPN will have mutations in one of these three genes—JAK2, CALR and MPL.**
Accurate diagnosis and effective care are dependent on quick identification of these biomarkers.
References:
* The impact of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) on patient quality of life and productivity: results from the international MPN Landmark survey (2017).https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569657/ (accessed May 10, 2022)
** The 2016 revision to the World Health Organization classification of myeloid neoplasms and acute leukemia (2016). https://ashpublications.org/blood/article/127/20/2391/35255/The-2016-revision-to-the-World-Health-Organization (accessed May 10, 2022)