A radioactive drug called P32 can also be given by a needle in a vein to lower the number of red blood cells made by the bone marrow. Hormones can also be used in certain instances to treat side effects of the disease. In patients with agnogenic myeloid metaplasia, hormones called glucocorticoids may be given to help the red blood cells live longer. Hormones called androgens are also sometimes used in this disease to make the bone marrow produce more blood cells. Biological therapy is being tested for the treatment of myeloproliferative disorders.
Biological therapy tries to get the body to fight disease.
It uses materials made by the body or made in a laboratory to boost, direct, or restore the body's natural defenses against disease. Treatment by type Treatment for myeloproliferative disorders depends on the type of myeloproliferative disorder, whether the patient has symptoms or not, and the patient's age and overall health. Standard treatment may be considered because of its effectiveness in patients in past studies, or participation in a clinical trial may be considered. Most patients with myeloproliferative disorders are not cured with standard therapy and some standard treatments may have more side effects than are desired. Clinical trials are ongoing in most parts of the country for the myeloproliferative disorders.