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.
The doctor will follow the patient closely so treatment can be started if symptoms develop. A blood transfusion may be required if severe anemia develops. External radiation therapy to the spleen, chemotherapy, or biologic therapy to reduce the pain caused by the enlargement of the spleen. Chemotherapy to lower the number of platelets in the blood. Bone marrow or peripheral stem cell transplantation.