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Photo of Dr Ruben A. Mesa.

Dr Mesa's perspective on symptom burden in MF

”In MF, symptoms can develop gradually over time and thus may not be fully appreciated by patients as they have sometimes compensated for them. ... Educating patients on MF-related symptoms will empower patients to take an active role in managing their disease.”

Ruben Mesa, MD, FACP, MPN Expert

Photo of Dr Ruben A. Mesa.

Dr Mesa's perspective on symptom burden in MF

”In MF, symptoms can develop gradually over time and thus may not be fully appreciated by patients as they have sometimes compensated for them. ... Educating patients on MF-related symptoms will empower patients to take an active role in managing their disease.”

Ruben Mesa, MD, FACP, MPN Expert

Most common symptoms of MF1*

80% icon.

Fatigue

53% icon.

Abdominal discomfort

51% icon.

Night sweats

40% icon.

Bone pain

40% icon.

Itching

Survey sponsored by Incyte Corporation.

Symptoms represent only those included in the MPN Symptom Assessment Form Total Symptom Scores (MPN-SAFTSS) and are not inclusive of all symptoms that were assessed in the MPN Landmark Survey.

*Symptoms were reported within the last 12 months prior to survey.1

Starting the conversation about MF symptoms

MF can place a substantial burden on patients. Common clinical manifestations include2:

Fever Icon.

Fever

Weight Loss Icon.

Weight loss

Anemia Icon.

Anemia

Leukoerythroblastosis Icon.

Leukoerythroblastosis

Pruritus Icon.

Pruritus3

Splenomegaly Icon.

Splenomegaly

Increased or decreased white blood cell levels Icon.

Increased or decreased white blood cell levels

Bone Marrow Fibrosis Icon.

Bone marrow fibrosis

Other possible clinical presentations of MF include2:

  • Hepatomegaly
  • Lymphadenopathy
  • Pleural effusion
  • Osteosclerosis
  • Periostitis
  • Portal hypertension
  • Ascites
  • Nerve or spinal cord compression
  • Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy
  • Megakaryocytic dysplasia
Headshot of Dr Ruben A. Mesa.

Spleen and Symptom Brochure

This resource includes key information related to splenomegaly and symptom assessment in patients with MF, as well as insights by Ruben A. Mesa, MD, FACP

Download brochure

MF carries a symptom burden that affects the majority of patients4

Prevalence of MF-related symptoms at diagnosis4

95% icon.

of patients reported at least 2 MF-related symptoms at diagnosis

based on a retrospective chart review of 180 patients with MF

Retrospective observational study of symptom burden and splenomegaly in 180 patients with MF; data were collected at the time of diagnosis of MF in patients without splenomegaly (n=78) or at the time of detection of splenomegaly (n=102). In patients with splenomegaly, splenomegaly was most often recorded at the time of diagnosis (median time from MF diagnosis to reported splenomegaly was 1 day).4

MPN symptom burden impacts quality of life1

The MPN Landmark Survey was a large-scale survey of 813 patients with MPNs (MF, n=207) and assessed perceptions of overall disease burden, quality of life, activities of daily living, and work productivity.1

In the Landmark Survey,

81% icon.

of patients with MF reported reduced quality of life related to their condition1

This was true even for patients with low prognostic risk scores and with the lowest symptom severity.1

MF=myelofibrosis; MPN=myeloproliferative neoplasm.

References: 1. Mesa R, Miller CB, Thyne M, et al. Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) have a significant impact on patients’ overall health and productivity: the MPN Landmark survey. BMC Cancer. 2016;16:167. doi:10.1186/s12885-016-2208-2. 2. Abdel-Wahab OI, Levine RL. Primary myelofibrosis: update on definition, pathogenesis, and treatment. Annu Rev Med. 2009;60:233-245. 3. Barosi G. Myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia: diagnostic definition and prognostic classification for clinical studies and treatment guidelines. J Clin Oncol. 1999;17(9):2954-2970. 4. Mitra D, Kaye JA, Piecoro LT, et al. Symptom burden and splenomegaly in patients with myelofibrosis in the United States: a retrospective medical record review. Cancer Med. 2013;2(6):889-898.