Do sudden blasts necessarily mean progression?

[TM76]

Husband was diagnosed with prefibrotic myelofibrosis a year ago. Rubuxiltnib really helped calm his numbers and shrink his spleen down. A week ago blasts showed in his bloodwork results and his platelets decreased. He had another bone marrow biopsy and we are waiting for the results.

Could it be something other than progression?

[hunter5582]

While you typically do not want to take s single lab read as definitive of anything, it sounds like to docs took it seriously and got right on figuring out what is going on. That sounds like a very on-the-ball treatment team. FYI - I saw an article on the use of ruxolitinib in MF with blasts indicating a more favorable prognosis due to tx with Rux. It may well be that your husband is already on a more optimal care plan for his situation.

Please do let us know what you find out. Until then, you will both be in thoughts and prayers.

[TM76 in reply to hunter5582]

We’ve just heard back tonight and his Dr confirmed he has progressed to myelofibrosis. We are on the wait list to see a leukaemia specialist at the local hospital. The blasts are up to 10% based on the bone marrow biopsy.

[hunter5582 in reply to TM76]

Sorry to hear that the MPN has progressed to MF, I am glad that it was caught. Now it is time to move on to a new treatment plan. I hope by leukemia specialist you actually mean a MPN Specialist. That is very important now more than ever. Just in case, here is a list. mpnforum.com/list-hem./ .

The good news is that treatment options are improving. I hope your husband find the right treatment plan ASAP.

All the best to you both.

[TM76 in reply to hunter5582]

Thank you for your kind words and support.

[cmc_ufl in reply to TM76]

My best wishes and prayers are with you and your husband. Sounds like he is getting the care he needs. Out of curiosity, were there any blasts (even low levels) in any of his prior bloodwork? How often has he been getting his blood tested since his diagnosis?

[TM76 in reply to cmc_ufl]

Thank you! Last year, upon original diagnosis, he was doing bloodwork weekly, then bi-weekly, then monthly, as the rubuxilitnib (sp?) was working. There were no blasts prior. Out of nowhere the blasts showed up and have gone from 2-10% within a week.