There is no specific treatment for primary myelofibrosis. The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms. Treatment may involve:

• Blood transfusions to correct anemia
• Radiation and chemotherapy
• Medicines called recombinant erythropoietin or androgens to help stimulate red blood cell production
• Splenectomy (removal of the spleen) if swelling causes symptoms

In young people, bone marrow transplants appear to improve the outlook.

This disorder causes slowly worsening bone marrow failure with severe anemia. Low platelet count leads to easy bleeding, and spleen swelling may slowly get worse.

The average survival of people with primary myelofibrosis is about 5 years. However, many people survive for decades.

• Acute myelogenous leukemia
• Liver failure

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of this disorder develop. Uncontrolled bleeding, shortness of breath, jaundice, and confusion that gets worse require urgent or emergency care.