Essential thrombocythemia

Hello Yaz23. Thank you for contacting us at Macmillan. My name is George, and I'm one of the information specialist nurses on the Macmillan support line. I'm sorry to hear about your relative's diagnosis of Essential Thrombocythemia, and I understand the concerns this may cause and the need to understand more.

Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is a slow-growing blood cancer. It is where the bone marrow makes too many blood clotting cells called platelets, which means there are more platelets than usual in the blood. ET develops very slowly and generally in individuals over 50. For this reason, it is not considered to shorten their lives.

There can be many stages as this condition develops, and it is monitored in the early stages with regular blood tests and possible bone marrow biopsies. Then there may be a need for medication, including chemotherapy called Hydroxycarbamide, Interferon alpha, or Anagrelide which can reduce the high numbers of platelets in the later stages of this condition.

Lifestyle changes can improve the health and well-being of the person with ET. Leukaemia Care produces a very informative online booklet titled Essential Thrombocythemia (ET): Guide for patients, which would be suitable for anyone wishing to learn more about the condition. Blood cancer UK also has a wealth of information and support on its website, which may help you and your relative.

I hope this information is helpful. Please don’t hesitate to get back in touch if there is anything else that we can help you with. We are available 7 days a week 8am to 8pm on 0808 808 0000. Or you can send an email.

Kind regards,

George

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist  

REF/GH/AC

Many thanks, George, for the information. I will pass them on to my relative.