Myelofibrosis
Myelofibrosis, or MF, is a rare, chronic
blood cancer that affects the bone marrow
and the production of blood cells. The bone
marrow is the material inside the bone where
blood cells are made. People with MF typically have:
- Scarring in the bone marrow called fibrosis
- Too few or too many cells that make blood
What causes MF?
MF is a complex condition that may have many contributing factors. We do know that certain proteins called Janus-associated kinases, or JAKs, are important. JAKs tell blood cells in the bone marrow to divide and grow.
When JAKs are working normally, they help the body make the right number of blood cells. But when JAKs aren’t working normally, they cause the body to make the wrong number of blood cells. They can also cause bone marrow scarring, an enlarged spleen, and symptoms.
When JAKs are working normally, they help the body make the right number of blood cells. But when JAKs aren’t working normally, they cause the body to make the wrong number of blood cells. They can also cause bone marrow scarring, an enlarged spleen, and symptoms.
Risk factors
Age
Myelofibrosis mainly affects elderly over
60.
JAK2 mutation
JAK2 and MPL mutations drive MF.
Environment
Exposure to petrochemicals (e.g., benzene
and toluene) and ionizing radiation
increase risk.
CALR
CALR or Calreticulin mutation found in
23.5% of MF and essential
thrombocythemia.
