How Prevalent Are MPNs?

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with an MPN, it’s important to know that you’re not alone.

While incidence rates refer to number of new patients diagnosed with an MPN each year, prevalence rates indicate the total number of patients living with an MPN at any given time. And with earlier diagnoses and better tracking, the numbers appear to be growing.

MPN Prevalence in the U.S. 

Recently, researchers from the Mayo Clinic, Boston University School of Public Health and the pharmaceutical company Sanofi’s department of Global Evidence & Value Development, concluded a study of the prevalence of the myeloproliferative neoplasms in the U.S. Their findings were reported at the American Society of Hematology annual meeting in 2012 and in a recent scientific publication.

Age Adjusted Prevalence (per 100,000) for MPN Subgroups of Interest for Two Large U.S. Health Plans, 2008-2010.



MF=Myelofibrosis; PV=Polycythemia vera; ET=Essential thrombocythemia

Based on MarketScan database estimates from 2010 (which were lower than the Impact database estimates), the projected prevalence for MPNs in the U.S. on December 31, 2010, was:

  • MF – 12,812
  • PV – 148,363
  • ET – 134,534

The study results suggest that MPN prevalence is much higher than previously reported.

MPN Prevalence Rates and You 

For patients, the key takeaway from MPN prevalence rates is that you don’t have to walk through this difficult period of your life alone. Although reported MPN prevalence rates are increasing, it could be due to better tracking of these diseases as well as earlier diagnosis. The good news is that there is a vibrant MPN community comprised of researchers, healthcare practitioners and other patients on hand to provide information and emotional support.

At the MPN Research Foundation, we’re proud to play an important role in the MPN community by supporting patients and families through research, advocacy, and education. Working in tandem with the healthcare and research communities, we’re dedicated to changing your prognosis and helping you identify a path toward a brighter future.

References: Epidemiology of Myeloproliferative Disorders in US – a real world analysis Poster presented at ASH 2012 Ruben A. Mesa1, Jyotsna Mehta2*, Hongwei Wang2*, Yanxin Wang2*, Usman Iqbal2*, Frank Neumann3, Yanzhen Zhang3* and Theodore Colton4*Epidemiology of Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) in the United States. Leuk Lymphoma. Epub 2013 Jyotsna Mehta1, Hongwei Wang2, Usman Iqbal2, Ruben Mesa1 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23768070