Reversal of myelofibrosis in advanced breast cancer

Reversal of myelofibrosis and splenomegaly is described in a 41 year old woman with metastatic breast cancer. After intensive chemotherapy and hormonal therapy, the tumor regressed, the splenomegaly receded, the hemogram showed no abnormalities, and the dense collagen and reticulin fibers in the marrow disappeared. The severe thrombocytopenia and leukoerythroblastosis noted before therapy were not obstacles to clinical management. In our report we document that myelofibrosis associated with breast cancer is not an ominous sign. Patients may benefit from an intensive, but well titrated, therapeutic program.