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New Markers of Disease Progression in Myelofibrosis
Rita Campanelli1, Margherita Massa2, Vittorio Rosti1
1Center for the Study of Myelofibrosis, General Medicine 2-Center for Systemic Amyloidosis and High-Complexity Diseases, IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
Abstract:
Primary myelofibrosis (PMF) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm due to the clonal proliferation of a hematopoietic stem cell. The vast majority of patients harbor a somatic gain of function mutation either of JAK2 or MPL or CALR genes in their hematopoietic cells, resulting in the activation of the JAK/STAT pathway. Patients display variable clinical and laboratoristic features, including anemia, thrombocytopenia, splenomegaly, thrombotic complications, systemic symptoms, and curtailed survival due to infections, thrombo-hemorrhagic events, or progression to leukemic transformation. New drugs have been developed in the last decade for the treatment of PMF-associated symptoms; however, the only curative option is currently represented by allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation, which can only be offered to a small percentage of patients. Disease prognosis is based at diagnosis on the classical International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) and Dynamic-IPSS (during disease course), which comprehend clinical parameters; recently, new prognostic scoring systems, including genetic and molecular parameters, have been proposed as meaningful tools for a better patient stratification. Moreover, new biological markers predicting clinical evolution and patient survival have been associated with the disease. This review summarizes basic concepts of PMF pathogenesis, clinics, and therapy, focusing on classical prognostic scoring systems and new biological markers of the disease.
Insights
Primary myelofibrosis (PMF) is a stem cell cancer. This review covers PMF pathogenesis, symptoms, and treatments, including new prognostic markers for better patient stratification.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Primary myelofibrosis (PMF) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by clonal hematopoietic stem cell proliferation.
- Mutations in JAK2, MPL, or CALR genes activate the JAK/STAT pathway, driving PMF pathogenesis.
- PMF presents with diverse clinical features, including anemia, splenomegaly, and increased risk of thrombosis, infection, and leukemic transformation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the fundamental aspects of PMF pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and therapeutic strategies.
- To highlight the evolution of prognostic scoring systems in PMF, from classical to molecular markers.
- To discuss emerging biological markers that predict disease progression and patient survival.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of primary myelofibrosis.
- Analysis of pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and treatment options.
- Evaluation of prognostic scoring systems and biological markers.
Main Results:
- PMF is driven by specific gene mutations leading to JAK/STAT pathway activation.
- Current treatments include symptom management and allogeneic stem cell transplantation as the only curative option.
- Prognosis relies on scoring systems like IPSS, with new molecular markers offering improved patient stratification.
Conclusions:
- Understanding PMF pathogenesis is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
- Advanced prognostic tools, incorporating molecular data, are essential for personalized patient management.
- Continued research into biological markers will refine PMF treatment and improve patient outcomes.
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