About Myeloproliferative Neoplasms and treatment in Chicago. Sandler Cancer Treatment Centers in Chicago and Skokie, IL

Steven A. Sandler, M.D.
Board-Certified in
Hematology & Oncology

Telephone Numbers
Office: (847) 933-0875
Fax: (847) 933-0878
Answering Service: (773) 594-7340

Skokie Office
9669 Kenton, Suite 510
Skokie, IL 60076
Map and directions

Chicago Office
7447 W. Talcott Ave., Suite 318
Chicago, IL 60631
Map and directions

Call us at 847-933-0875 or send Dr. Sandler a message via the form below. Please note that this form is for non-emergencies only.

Myeloproliferative Neoplasms and Treatment

About Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPDs) are a group of diseases in which the bone marrow makes too many blood cells. They are related to and can progress to myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia, although myeloproliferative diseases have a much better overall prognosis than these conditions. Most cases occur in people aged 40 to 60 years old.

Signs and symptoms may include:

Fatigue and generally not feeling well
Easy bruising and bleeding
Left chest and shoulder pain
Swollen, painful joints
Abdominal discomfort
Unintentional weight loss

Treatment for Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

The treatment of myeloproliferative disorders depends on the specific type of myeloproliferative disorder a patient has. Patients with polycythemia rubra vera are commonly treated with phlebotomy. This is a technique where blood is removed. Medications are used with some patients, especially if they are over the age of 60.

The treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia has undergone a revolution with the introduction of Gleevec. There are several other new drugs that are available for patients who become resistant to this agent or who have difficulties tolerating Gleevac.

The treatment of myelofibrosis, another type of MPD, includes new effective treatments that many patients do very well on for decades. The latest treatments help reduce the size of the spleen and improve the patient's hemoglobin. This leads to an improvement of the patient's overall health and well-being.

The fourth type of myeloproliferative disorder is essential thrombocytosis. Patients present with very high platelet counts. The treatment of this is very simple and includes medications that patients at Sandler Cancer Treatment Centers have done very well with.