What is JAK2 myelofibrosis?

In people with myelofibrosis, the normally spongy bone marrow becomes scarred. Several specific gene mutations have been identified in people with myelofibrosis. The most common is the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) gene mutation. Other less common mutations include CALR and MPL.

What does positive JAK2 mean?

A positive JAK2 V617F mutation test, along with other supporting clinical signs, means it is likely that the person tested has an MPN. Other testing, such as a bone marrow biopsy, may need to be performed to determine which MPN the person has and to evaluate its severity.

Is JAK2 a cancer mutation?

The JAK2 V617F mutation is an acquired, somatic mutation present in the majority of patients with myeloproliferative cancer (myeloproliferative neoplasms) i.e. nearly 100% of patients with polycythemia vera and in about 50% of patients with essential thrombocytosis and primary myelofibrosis.

What does a JAK2 mutation cause?

JAK2 gene mutations result in the production of a constitutively activated JAK2 protein, which seems to improve the survival of the cell and increase production of blood cells. With so many extra cells in the bloodstream, abnormal blood clots are more likely to form.

What is the longest you can live with myelofibrosis?

Primary myelofibrosis, also known as idiopathic myelofibrosis or myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia, is a rare disease19, 20 usually affecting elderly people. Median survival ranges from 4 to 5.5 years in modern series6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 (Figure 1).

How long can you live with JAK2 mutation?

A high JAK2(V617F) allele burden was correlated with the transformation to myelofibrosis (p<0.0001), but not with the transformation to acute leukemia. Among the 105 ET, with 8years of median follow-up, overall survival was 83% at 10years and 57% at 20years.

What causes death in myelofibrosis?

The common causes of death in patients with primary myelofibrosis are infections, hemorrhage, cardiac failure, postsplenectomy mortality, and transformation into acute leukemia. Leukemic transformation occurs in approximately 20% of patients with primary myelofibrosis within the first 10 years.

Is myelofibrosis a terminal illness?

Prognosis. Primary myelofibrosis is generally regarded as an incurable disease but with treatment many people can remain comfortable and symptom-free for some time.

What is the JAK2 gene associated with myelofibrosis?

In people with myelofibrosis, the normally spongy bone marrow becomes scarred. Several specific gene mutations have been identified in people with myelofibrosis. The most common is the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) gene. Knowing whether the JAK2 gene or others are associated with your myelofibrosis helps determine your prognosis and your treatment.

How does myelofibrosis affect the body?

Causes. As more and more of these mutated cells are created, they begin to have serious effects on blood production. The end result is usually a lack of red blood cells — which causes the anemia characteristic of myelofibrosis — and an overabundance of white blood cells with varying levels of platelets.

What are the risk factors for myelofibrosis?

Myelofibrosis has been linked to exposure to industrial chemicals such as toluene and benzene. Exposure to radiation. People exposed to very high levels of radiation have an increased risk of myelofibrosis. Complications that may result from myelofibrosis include: Increased pressure on blood flowing into your liver.

Is myelofibrosis a type of leukemia?

Myelofibrosis is an uncommon type of chronic leukemia — a cancer that affects the blood-forming tissues in the body. Myelofibrosis belongs to a group of diseases called myeloproliferative disorders. Many people with myelofibrosis get progressively worse, and some may eventually develop a more serious form of leukemia.