Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 11, 2026

Author Spotlight: Analyzing Bone Marrow Microenvironment in Murine Hematological Malignancies
Published on: November 10, 2023
Bone morbidity in chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms
Sarah Farmer1, Lukas Frans Ocias, Hanne Vestergaard
1Department of Haematology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
Insights
Patients with chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms face increased fracture risks. The exact reasons and treatments for this bone disease association remain unclear, requiring further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Bone Metabolism
Background:
- Philadelphia chromosome-negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) like essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera, and primary myelofibrosis are linked to comorbidities.
- Cardiovascular diseases, thrombotic events, and an increased risk of osteoporotic fractures are common in MPN patients.
- The prevalence, underlying mechanisms, and therapeutic strategies for bone disease in MPN are not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on the association between bone disease and chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms.
- To explore potential mechanisms linking MPN to skeletal complications.
- To highlight the need for further research into therapeutic implications.
Main Methods:
- Literature review summarizing existing studies on MPN and bone disease.
- Discussion of proposed mechanisms, including chronic inflammation and mast cell mediator effects.
- Analysis of prevalence, risk factors, and potential treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- Chronic inflammation is implicated in the development and progression of MPN.
- Bone density loss and increased fracture risk are observed in chronic systemic inflammatory diseases.
- While mechanisms are known for systemic mastocytosis (SM), they are unclear for other MPNs.
Conclusions:
- A significant association exists between chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms and bone disease, including increased fracture risk.
- Chronic inflammation may play a role, similar to other systemic inflammatory conditions.
- Further research is crucial to elucidate specific mechanisms and develop targeted therapies for bone complications in MPN.
Abstract:
Patients with the classical Philadelphia chromosome-negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms including essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera and primary myelofibrosis often suffer from comorbidities, in particular, cardiovascular diseases and thrombotic events. Apparently, there is also an increased risk of osteoporotic fractures among these patients. However, the true prevalence, mechanisms involved and therapeutic implications are not well described. In this review, we summarize what is currently known about possible associations between bone disease and chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms. Chronic inflammation has been suggested to explain the initiation of clonal development and progression in chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms. Decreased bone mineral density and enhanced fracture risk are well-known manifestations of many chronic systemic inflammatory diseases. As opposed to systemic mastocytosis (SM) where pathogenic mechanisms for bone manifestations probably involve effects of mast cell mediators on bone metabolism, the mechanisms responsible for increased fracture risk in other chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms are not known.
Related Concept Videos
Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Bone Marrow Sampling and Transplants
The transplant begins with high doses of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, which aim to destroy...
Blood and Nerve Supply to the Bones
Nutrient Artery
The nutrient artery is the main blood vessel that enters the diaphysis via the nutrient foramen. While most long bones have only one nutrient foramen, large bones, such as the femur, may have two. This...
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

