Synthetic Hormones, Chemo & Radiotherapy

[CraftySpider]

Hello, I am 60 years old, female,in the U.K., have had Primary Myelofibrosis for 20 years, treated with Aspirin & HU until recently, now switched to Anagrelide.

I have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, due to have lumpectomy next month, then there will be decisions to make about further treatments.

My main questions are firstly has anyone else been in the same situation ? Were you given any information on how treatment could affect your MPN ?

And secondly, are synthetic hormones a good idea with an MPN ? Apart from a few years in my 20’s on the contraceptive pill, these are something I have always tried to avoid.

It seems that many women are offered hormone treatment for 5-10 years to inhibit any recurrence in the cancer, but not sure if this would be a good option or not.

[ainslie]

I don’t have much info to offer except that in the hormone world it is suggested bio identical type hormones are better than synthetic, some hormone experts believe it’s taking synthetic hormones that cause the problems. In general terms MPN voice here have a very good video on HRT you can watch if you look in their library of vids.

[CraftySpider in reply to ainslie]

Thankyou, I haven’t heard of bio identical hormones, but will ask about them at my next appointment.

[ainslie in reply to CraftySpider]

the MPN voice vid is worth a watch its especially good info on HRT and MPN

[hunter5582]

Sorry to hear that you have another type of cancer to deal with. Unfortunately, secondary cancers are known to be associated with MPNs. There are others on the forum who have had to make decisions about hormone therapy for breast and prostate cancers. Hopefully, they will weigh in with their experiences.

"Hormone therapy (also called hormonal therapy, hormone treatment, or endocrine therapy) slows or stops the growth of hormone-sensitive tumors by blocking the body's ability to produce hormones or by interfering with effects of hormones on breast cancer cells." cancer.gov/types/breast/bre....

While reducing/eliminating the ability to produce or utilize hormones can help to treat both breast and prostate cancer, there can be significant side effects. Some of the side effects from medications like tamoxifen can cause issues like thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and thromboembolism. The potential adverse effects vary based on which drugs are being used, but the short answer is that yes, hormone therapy can have impact on a MPN.

The treating oncologist for the breast cancer may or may not be familiar with co-occurring MPNs. It will be critical for you to ensure that your MPN care team is fully engaged in collaboration about your care. Suggest that you speak directly to your MPN Specialist about these issues as soon as possible.

WIshing you success in treatment as you move forward. Please let us know how you get on.

[CraftySpider in reply to hunter5582]

Thankyou Hunter, I have requested that they consult my haematologist, and will continue to do so throughout my treatment.

[ainslie in reply to hunter5582]

I think I read now that in certain cases they are okay with giving estrogen etc post breast cancer and similarly with giving testosterone after and during prostate cancer if it hasnt spread, they now believe people with low testosterone are more prone to prostate cancer, the complete opposite to what was believed previously.

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice]

hi CraftySpider, I am so sorry to hear about your breast cancer diagnosis, you will need to ensure that the team looking after you involve your haematologist regarding treatment etc, to ensure that it will be ok with regards to your Anagrelide and aspirin. I wish you well on this journey. If you want to watch the video of the forum we held on HRT and MPNs, you can find it here healthunlocked.com/mpnvoice...

[CraftySpider in reply to Mazcd]

Thankyou, they are located in the same hospital department …so hopefully there will be good communication !

[Scottishterrier]

Hi craftyspider I have et Jak 2+ I was put on hu when I was 32 I thought it was just constant indigestion so I was swallowing gaviscon like sweets but when I saw heamotologist he sent me for a CT scan but it was November so results did not come through till January it was a clot to the liver I was given the choice of interferon or Hu but had read an article interferon side effects were horrible I was told that I could not have children but it put paid to my engagement I was on 1000mg to start with made me very tired and gradually down to one a week at the time I was put under care of a gastroenterologist consultant who I still see to this dayStay safe

Scottish terrier