Polycythemia Vera (PV) Education | Blood Cancer

Polycythemia vera (PV) is a rare type of myeloid cancer marked by the overproduction of red blood cells (erythrocytosis) in the bone marrow.¹ This increase in red blood cells thickens the blood, which may raise the risk of serious cardiovascular and thrombotic events, such as stroke, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism.^2,3,4

PV affects approximately 155,000 people in the United States and a similar number across Europe. The median age at diagnosis is 60 years.¹

In PV, the key treatment goal is to achieve and maintain a hematocrit (HCT) level below 45%. HCT refers to the proportion of red blood cells relative to the total blood volume.⁵

• Controlled HCT can reduce the risk of clotting events and alleviate symptoms.⁵
• Common approaches to reduce HCT include phlebotomy (removal of blood from the body) and medications designed to lower red blood cell counts.⁶

Despite available treatment strategies:

• Up to 78% of patients in real-world studies have uncontrolled HCT and continue to suffer symptoms of PV.⁶
• Phlebotomy may help reduce HCT, but could also:
  1. Contribute to iron deficiency.
  2. Cause or worsen symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, weakness or visual disturbances.
  3. Lead to a burden on patients’ quality of life. ^7,8

Patients with PV may experience a range of symptoms that affect daily life:

• Headaches
• Fatigue or weakness
• Dizziness or balance issues
• Visual changes
• Night sweats
• Itching (pruritus)
• Difficulty concentrating

Not every patient will experience the same set or severity of symptoms.

Note: These FAQs are for educational purposes only and do not substitute medical advice. Patients should always consult their healthcare provider.