Patients with ET often survive ten years or longer after diagnosis of the disease. Causes of death in ET typically include thrombotic or bleeding complications as well as the progression to acute leukemia, such as acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).
Treatment regimens vary for ET patients, as risk factors and patient history of bleeding and/or thrombosis must be evaluated and considered. Some patients are only given supportive care and do not require medication. Treatment options for ET may include:
- Medications such as hydroxyurea, anagrelide, interferon-a, or phosphorus-32 (32 P)
- Low-dose aspirin
- Plateletpheresis
- Radiation
- Chemotherapy
