The "spent phase" of polycythemia vera (PV) is when the bone marrow has become so scarred that it can no longer produce normal blood cells — it closely resembles myelofibrosis (MF), and many doctors treat them the same way.
Here are some signs that may indicate the spent phase:
- Very few or no normal blood cells Show Full Answer
The "spent phase" of polycythemia vera (PV) is when the bone marrow has become so scarred that it can no longer produce normal blood cells — it closely resembles myelofibrosis (MF), and many doctors treat them the same way.
Here are some signs that may indicate the spent phase:
- Very few or no normal blood cells remaining in the bone marrow
- Bone marrow scarring (fibrosis) caused by inflammation from abnormal cells
- Symptoms that look and feel more like MF than early-stage PV A doctor can also look for these changes through regular monitoring:
- Low red blood cell levels
- Abnormally high or low white blood cell counts
- Abnormally high or low platelet counts
- Unusual-looking blood cells in a blood smear
- Changes in blood chemistry markers
- Evidence of bone marrow scarring on a biopsy
The best way to know for sure is through regular check-ups, blood tests, and possibly a bone marrow biopsy. If something feels off or symptoms are changing, it's worth bringing up with your care team sooner rather than later.
July 6
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