Diagnosis guide
Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs)
Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are a group of blood cancers in which the bone marrow makes too many red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets. The type depends mainly on which cells are overproduced. Examples are polycythemia vera (red cells), essential thrombocythemia (platelets), and chronic myeloid leukemia and chronic neutrophilic leukemia (white cells). In primary myelofibrosis, abnormal blood cells and fibers build up in the marrow. MPNs usually get worse slowly, and treatment ranges from watchful waiting and removing blood to medicines. Polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia and chronic-phase CML are usually treated without a transplant. A donor stem cell transplant is considered mainly for selected people with myelofibrosis, for disease that has turned into a more advanced form, such as advanced CML or leukemia, and for some people with chronic neutrophilic leukemia.
In short
- Myeloproliferative neoplasms, or MPNs, are blood cancers in which the bone marrow makes too many red cells, white cells or platelets.
- The type depends on which cells are overproduced, and treatment ranges from watchful waiting and removing blood to medicines that lower counts or ease symptoms.
- Polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia and chronic-phase CML are usually treated without a transplant; a donor transplant is mainly for selected people with myelofibrosis or more advanced disease.
Find the subtype on your report
The exact diagnosis shapes the treatment options. Your care team can explain the name on your report.
Polycythemia vera (PV)
Polycythemia vera (PV) is a slow-growing blood cancer, one of the myeloproliferative neoplasms, in which the bone marrow makes too many red blood cells and may make too many white cells and platelets as well. Almost everyone with PV has a JAK2 gene change. The thicker blood raises the risk of clots, and over many years PV can change into myelofibrosis or acute myeloid leukemia.
Limited transplant roleEssential thrombocythemia (ET)
Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is a slow-growing blood cancer, one of the myeloproliferative neoplasms, in which the bone marrow makes too many platelets. Most people have a JAK2, CALR or MPL gene change. The main risks are blood clots and bleeding, and over many years a small number of people see ET change into myelofibrosis or, less often, acute myeloid leukemia.
Limited transplant rolePrimary myelofibrosis (PMF)
Primary myelofibrosis is a blood-forming stem cell cancer that disrupts marrow function and can cause marrow scarring. Blood production may shift to the spleen and liver, leading to enlarged organs and symptoms.
Donor transplant optionPost-polycythemia vera myelofibrosis (post-PV MF)
Post-polycythemia vera myelofibrosis is progression of previously established polycythemia vera (PV) to a fibrotic marrow disorder. Blood production and symptoms change; anemia and an enlarged spleen may develop after the earlier phase of excess red cells.
Donor transplant optionPost-essential thrombocythemia myelofibrosis (post-ET MF)
Post-essential thrombocythemia myelofibrosis is progression of a previously established essential thrombocythemia (ET) to a fibrotic marrow disorder. Anemia, an enlarged spleen and other changes can replace the earlier pattern of mainly raised platelets.
Donor transplant optionChronic myeloid leukemia (CML)
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a blood cancer driven by the BCR::ABL1 fusion. Most people start with a targeted medicine, while a donor stem cell transplant remains an option for resistant disease or progression.
Limited transplant roleChronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL)
Chronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL) is a rare blood cancer in which the marrow makes too many mature neutrophils. It commonly involves a CSF3R gene alteration and must be distinguished from infection-related neutrophilia and other myeloid cancers.
Donor transplant option
Support for patients and families
These independent organizations offer information and support. JBF is not affiliated with them.
- MPN Research Foundation A US nonprofit that funds MPN research and offers patients and caregivers disease information, clinical trial resources, a patient registry and personal stories.United States
- MPN Voice A UK charity offering information, a buddy program, patient forums and well-being advice to people with MPNs and their families.United Kingdom
- MPN Advocacy & Education International A nonprofit running education programs, support groups and advocacy for people with myelofibrosis, polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia, in the US and abroad.United States and international
Other patients are waiting for a match.
Most people with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are treated without a registry donor. Many people with other blood cancers and blood disorders need a donor who is a stranger.
Join the registry
JBF points you to the official registry that serves your country. It explains who can join and what donation involves.
Help a family run a drive
If someone you love needs a donor, a registration drive can add many potential donors at once, for them and for others.
Support this work
Gifts to the Jada Bascom Foundation support donor-awareness education like this guide, community outreach, drive planning and referrals to official registries.
Sources and further reading
- Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Treatment (PDQ), Patient Version
National Cancer Institute, 2025-05-12 - Understanding MPNs
MPN Research Foundation, Accessed 2026-09-24 - Indications for haematopoietic cell transplantation and CAR-T for haematological diseases, solid tumours and immune disorders: 2025 EBMT practice recommendations
EBMT / Bone Marrow Transplantation, 2025-09-09
