Dr. Mauro on Managing Symptom Burden in Myelofibrosis

Michael J. Mauro, MD, the leader of the Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, discusses managing symptom burden in patients with myelofibrosis.

The management of symptom burden in patients with myelofibrosis often starts with symptom assessment, according to Mauro. Standard tools are utilized in clinical trials and have been validated and added to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network treatment guidelines; these tools can aid in identifying some of the symptoms that patients may experience, Mauro says. These tools are helpful, as certain symptoms experienced by patients with myelofibrosis can be difficult to discern from other chronic illnesses, Mauro notes. 

Taking inventory of symptoms is the first step in disease management, followed by prioritization and determining which symptoms are the most bothersome for patients, according to Mauro; this can be a part of a broader discussion with the patient when determining treatment goals, Mauro notes. Lastly, it is important to look at all available therapy options to decide which will be the most beneficial strategy for each patient, Mauro concludes.