Myeloproliferative neoplasms
Primary myelofibrosis
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.
Other names and abbreviations
PMF · MF · CIMF (historical) · myelofibrosis · bone marrow scarring · myeloproliferative neoplasm · MPN · Chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis · agnogenic myeloid metaplasia (historical)
Where transplant fits
Allogeneic transplantation is the established treatment with curative potential, usually considered for eligible patients with higher-risk disease or selected substantial disease burden. A relative, unrelated donor or alternative graft may be used. Transplant is not routine for every person with myelofibrosis, and autologous rescue is not standard treatment.
Treatment depends on the exact diagnosis, disease stage, prior treatment and the person’s health. These categories are not estimates of donor demand.
Treatment at a glance
- Who it affects
- Primary myelofibrosis mainly affects adults, especially older adults, but can occur earlier.
- Other treatment options
- Treatment is risk- and symptom-directed. JAK inhibitors can reduce spleen size and symptoms; anemia treatment, transfusions and other supportive measures may be needed. Some patients can be monitored, and clinical trials may be appropriate.
- Cells used for transplantation
- Donated blood-forming cells for allogeneic transplantation. Marrow, peripheral blood or cord blood and donor type are selected for the patient and transplant approach.
Questions to bring to your care team
What is the exact diagnosis or subtype? What is the goal of each treatment option? If transplant is being considered, why does it fit this situation, which cells would be used and what are the alternatives?
Sources and further reading
- Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Treatment (PDQ), Health Professional Version
NCI · Accessed 2026-09-05 - Myeloproliferative Neoplasms
EBMT Handbook / NCBI Bookshelf · Accessed 2026-09-05 - WHO fifth-edition classification: Myeloid and Histiocytic/Dendritic Neoplasms
WHO classification authors / Leukemia · Accessed 2026-09-05 - Indications for haematopoietic cell transplantation and CAR-T: 2025 EBMT practice recommendations
EBMT / Bone Marrow Transplantation · Accessed 2026-09-05 - Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplants for Cancer
NCI · Accessed 2026-09-05 - Donor and cord blood unit selection guidelines
NMDP / CIBMTR · Accessed 2026-09-05
Understanding can become action.
Some patients need a blood stem cell donor. Others receive different treatment. Wherever your interest began, you can help JBF reach more people who may be able to donate.
Explore the official registry serving where you live. It explains who can join, how registration works and what donation involves.
Find your official registryIf joining is not right for you, a gift to the Jada Bascom Foundation supports education, outreach and referrals to official registries.
Donate to JBFKeep learning
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