How do drugs treat myeloproliferative disorders?

Condition analysis:
Drugs used to treat chronic myeloproliferative disorders vary, depending on which type is being treated and whether there are any related symptoms. Chemotherapy, for example, uses drugs to kill cancer cells in the bone marrow. Other drugs reduce the number of blood platelets and white cells in the body or treat anemia. Which drug your doctor prescribes depends on the types of symptoms you are experiencing.

Instructions:
Complications of myeloproliferative disorders
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML): Some people with CML produce too many platelets. Without treatment, this high platelet count (thrombocytosis) may cause excessive clotting of the blood, which may lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Some people with CML may have a shortage of platelet cells. This may result in easy bleeding and bruising, including frequent or severe nosebleeds, bleeding from the gums, or tiny red marks caused by bleeding into the skin (called petechiae).

Normally, white blood cells help fight against diseases and infections. In people with CML, the white blood cells of someone with CML are unable to function properly. Over time, the white blood cells overcrowd healthy blood cells. Eventually, the bone marrow may become damaged and stop producing white blood cells normally. All of these factors lead to an increased risk of excessive bleeding and developing infections.

CML can cause bone pain or joint pain as the bone marrow expands when excess white blood cells accumulate.

Some of the extra blood cells produced in people with CML are stored in the spleen. As a result, the spleen becomes enlarged, causing a feeling of fullness in the abdomen. If the spleen becomes large enough, there is a risk that it might burst. If the spleen breaks open, urgent medical surgery is needed. Without treatment, a ruptured spleen may cause life-threatening bleeding into the abdominal cavity.

Essential thrombocytosis: Individuals with essential thrombocytosis typically have high levels of platelets in their blood. If the blood clots too much, it may lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Myelofibrosis: Patients with myelofibrosis have an increased risk of bleeding. They are also more susceptible to developing infections than healthy individuals. In addition, patients have an increased risk of developing an enlarged spleen. In extreme cases, the spleen may rupture.