New treatment brings hope for patients diagnosed with rare cancer

Around 100,000 Australians live with myelofibrosis, which is a rare form of blood cancer. But an Australian-developed drug - just approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration - is helping patients overcome some of the cancer's worst symptoms.

Film producer Deb Fryers was diagnosed with myelofibrosis and the new treatment, Momelotinib, recently approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration is welcome news. Credit: SBS

Key Points

• Myelofibrosis is a form of blood cancer which causes extensive scarring of the bone marrow, leading to low platelet production and increased risk of bleeding.
• Treating the condition is difficult - anaemia is a common side effect.
• A new drug, Momelotinib, approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration in December, is giving patients hope.

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New treatment brings hope for patients diagnosed with rare cancer

SBS Filipino

05:55Filipino