Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: Essential Thrombocythemia, Polycythemia Vera, and Primary Myelofibrosis

Polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia and primary myelofibrosis are currently classified as myeloproliferative neoplasms and represent a stem cell-derived clonal myeloproliferation. Current diagnosis is made according to the 2008 World Health Organization classification system that utilizes both bone marrow histology and molecular markers. Recent information has revealed the presence of JAK2 and MPL mutations in the majority of patients with these disorders. Accordingly, the therapeutic value of anti-JAK2 drugs is currently being investigated.