What Causes Myeloproliferative Disease?
Question: Dear Dr. XXXXXXX I need this question answered by an oncologist and you are a very good one. So I hope that you are available to answer, although I do not need an urgent response.
I understand that overlap myeloproliferative/myelodysplasticity disorder is a malignant haematological condition. However, (1) if a patient with this condition has her PLT fall below 10 and it is thought that she may have ITP (Immune Thrombocytopaenia), would the low ITP itself be a haematological malignancy or a condition arising from or associated with the underlying haematological malignancy? (2) If the low PLT is thought to be the result a drug effect from Hydroxyurea would the low PLT also be called a haematological malignancy in such a case.
I understand that overlap myeloproliferative/myelodysplasticity disorder is a malignant haematological condition. However, (1) if a patient with this condition has her PLT fall below 10 and it is thought that she may have ITP (Immune Thrombocytopaenia), would the low ITP itself be a haematological malignancy or a condition arising from or associated with the underlying haematological malignancy? (2) If the low PLT is thought to be the result a drug effect from Hydroxyurea would the low PLT also be called a haematological malignancy in such a case.
Brief Answer:
Not likely to be ITP
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.
In overlap MDS/MPD, ITP is very unlikely to be superimposed. The pathology is entirely different. However, in the extremely rare event of that happening, then the ITP won't be considered a malignancy, as it is immune mediated.
If low platelets due to hydroxyurea, then it is not malignant. But If platelets were low before hydroxyurea, then it is primarily due to MDS/MPD.
Hope this helps.
Regards
Not likely to be ITP
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.
In overlap MDS/MPD, ITP is very unlikely to be superimposed. The pathology is entirely different. However, in the extremely rare event of that happening, then the ITP won't be considered a malignancy, as it is immune mediated.
If low platelets due to hydroxyurea, then it is not malignant. But If platelets were low before hydroxyurea, then it is primarily due to MDS/MPD.
Hope this helps.
Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D