How Does Pegasy help ET?

[BloodZero]

Before I start on Pegasy Im trying to understand the process, the mechanism that Interferons use to lower platelets.

There isnt much on the net, but from what I watched and read, Interferons stimulate the auto-immune system and thats why patients often get flu-like symptoms. Because white-blood cells have risen. "it has some direct antiviral effects and stimulates the immune system to fight foreign organisms".

As ET problems begin in the bone marrow and is not a "foreign organism" how would increasing immune system work? Would it not raise the blood count even more?

I am very curious about this.

[AndyT]

I don’t understand all the science but as far as I’m aware Peg suppresses the production of all blood cells in the bone marrow.

That’s good for lowering our platelets but means your doctors also need to keep an eye on your red and white counts too, to make sure that they don’t get too low - it’s a balancing act..!

[BloodZero in reply to AndyT]

Thanks AndyT for your input.

[JackLina in reply to AndyT]

This is as I understand it. My bloods did exactly that. Yes, my platelets came down to acceptable levels but white and red dipped below and I became slightly anaemic. Dose altered from weekly to every 10 days. Next blood tests will show results but I have just about every side effect of the drug. After 6-7 days, I also get the ET symptoms back. Night sweats, headaches, always have the bone pain etc. I'm JAK2+so hopefully, I can be one of those who will see a difference if i continue with Pegasys over a long period of time.

Began taking in June this year.

Hope all is well with you. ATB Penelope

[AndyT in reply to JackLina]

Sorry you’re getting lots of side effects but lowering the dose and/or extending the interval between injections should definitely help - I’ve managed to get to the minimum of 45mcg every 4 weeks, which is very tolerable.

Good luck

Andy

[JackLina in reply to AndyT]

Hi Andy

I have never been on any more than 45mcg , thank fully. I relish the idea of only dosing every 4 weeks however. Bliss. ATB Penelope

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice]

this might help

mpnvoice.org.uk/about-mpns/...

[BloodZero in reply to Mazcd]

Thanks Maz for the link. It doesnt explain how interferon suppresses production of blood cells and reduces spleen size. Im searching for something that explains the process in the body.

Thanks again.