Chemotherapy for Myelofibrosis
Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill fast-growing cells, including cancer cells. In the case of myelofibrosis, chemotherapy may be used to help control symptoms, reduce spleen size, or slow the progression of the disease. It may also be used before a stem cell transplant or when other treatments are not effective.
These are the chemotherapy drugs that are used most often to treat myelofibrosis. New treatments become available all the time, so this may not be a complete list.
Please note: The side effects listed here do not represent a comprehensive list. Each chemotherapy drug has its own set of side effects and ways of working. It's important to discuss all potential side effects of a drug with your healthcare team. Be sure to tell your healthcare team about any side effects you do have.
All Available Treatments
Pill = 
Treatment Type
Hypomethylating agents (chemotherapy)
Drug Names
Potential Severe Side Effects
Low blood counts
Potential Side Effects
Low blood counts
Nausea/vomiting
Fatigue/weakness
Infections
Adverse drug reaction
Important Things to Know
- Used in MF patients with higher-risk disease or features resembling acute leukemia.
- May help delay disease progression in select patients.
- Low blood counts are a potential side effect that may put you at risk for anemia, infection, or bleeding.
Treatment Type
Antimetabolite (chemotherapy)
Drug Name
Important Things to Know
- Used with cytoreduction to help with symptoms of MF
- Low blood counts are a potential side effect that may put you at risk for anemia, infection, or bleeding.
- Used to control high blood counts or reduce spleen size.
- Does not treat the underlying disease process.
- Often used in patients that do not qualify for JAK inhibitors or other therapies.
- Mouth sores are a potential side effect that can be painful and affect your oral intake. Speak to your provider about proactive management and an oral care regimen