Myelofibrosis
Myelofibrosis (MF) is a rare blood cancer where excessive scar tissue builds up in the bone marrow, and affects the ability to produce healthy blood cells.1 It is a type of myeloproliferative neoplasm, which occurs when the bone marrow makes too many blood cells.2 There are ~13,000-18,500 people who have myelofibrosis in the U.S.3, 4 There are two types of myelofibrosis: Primary myelofibrosis occurs on its own, while secondary myelofibrosis arises secondary to other blood disorders.5
A few risk factors for myelofibrosis include1, 2, 4:
- Age: MF is most often diagnosed in people >60.
- Toxins: Exposure to substances such as benzene, toluene, fluoride, phosphorus or ionizing radiation, may increase risk of MF.
- Genetic Mutations: ~50-60% of people with MF have a mutation of the JAK2 gene, while ~24% have a mutation called Calreticulin (CALR).
- Other Health Conditions: MF may develop as a result of the spread of cancer to bone marrow from a primary tumor, such as breast, prostate, kidney, lung, adrenal or thyroid. It may also stem from another bone marrow disorder, such as polycythemia vera, multiple myeloma, certain metabolic disorders, and/or chronic myeloid leukemia. Exposure to tuberculosis may also increase risk of MF.
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