From Bloodletting to Breakthroughs in PV

Polycythemia vera is a chronic blood cancer in which bone marrow stem cells acquire mutations that drive uncontrolled production of red blood cells and other lineages, thickening the blood and causing fatigue, brain fog, and intense itching when in contact with water. The condition also raises the risk of dangerous blood clots. Current management relies on removing blood to lower red blood cell counts, using aspirin, and prescribing drugs to reduce blood cell production, all of which can be burdensome. We spoke with hematologist‑oncologist Marina Kremyanskaya and PV patient advocate Nona Baker about polycythemia vera, how it reshapes everyday life for patients and families, and the promise of new therapies in development.