TriangleFOR PATIENTS · SOURCE READING
Treatment of Polycythemia Vera
Source: Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version, National Cancer Institute.
Source updated: May 12, 2025 · Captured 2026-09-09.
Selected source text with whitespace normalised. This Triangle page is not an NCI PDQ summary. Independent clinical review is pending.
The purpose of treatment for polycythemia vera is to reduce the number of extra blood cells. Treatment of polycythemia vera may include:
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phlebotomy
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chemotherapy (hydroxyurea) with or without phlebotomy
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targeted therapy (ruxolitinib), if the chemotherapy does not work
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immunotherapy (pegylated interferon alpha or ropeginterferon alfa-2B)
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low-dose aspirin
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Learn more about these treatments in the Treatment Option Overview.
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Use our clinical trial search to find NCI-supported cancer clinical trials that are accepting patients. You can search for trials based on the type of cancer, the age of the patient, and where the trials are being done. General information about clinical trials is also available.
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Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice