

Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body, white blood cells fight infection and platelets are involved in clotting the blood to stop or slow bleeding and help heal wounds. When too many red blood cells circulate, the blood thickens and may not flow properly through the blood vessels. This raises the risk of blood clots in major arteries and veins, which can lead to a stroke or heart attack, and can affect other vital organs as well. Because PV is characterized by uncontrolled cell growth, it is considered a blood cancer.

How is PV diagnosed?



PV must be carefully and routinely monitored by a hematologist/ oncologist. These doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating blood disorders and blood cancers. Ask your doctor to refer you to a hematologist/oncologist, or visit www.hematology.org to search for a specialist in your own community.

Learn about treatments and symptoms

A number of treatments are used to control PV symptoms:


Hydroxyurea (Hydrea and others) and busulfan (Myleran). These medicines are often used to treat cancer. They can reduce the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, which helps improve blood flow and reduce the thickness of the blood.

Interferon alfa (Intron A, Roferon-A). Interferon alfa prompts the immune system to lower the red blood cell count and keeps the blood thickness and blood flow closer to normal.


On the Horizon


JAK inhibitors. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved ruxolitinib (Jakafi) for treating myelofibrosis. This oral medication and other JAK inhibitors such as momelotinib and NS-018 are being studied in clinical trials for people who have advanced PV.


Peginterferon alfa (Pegasys). In one clinical trial, this long-acting form of interferon is being compared with hydroxyurea in people with newly diagnosed PV to see which is the better treatment to use first. In another clinical trial, researchers are trying to learn whether peginterferon alfa can benefit people whose PV was previously treated but did not respond well.

Managing Symptoms

Ask your doctor or oncology social worker about the kinds of symptoms you might experience. Your health care team can help you develop a routine for managing each symptom and keep track of your progress. If you’re prescribed any medications to manage symptoms, remember to keep your dosing consistent and timely. Often, changing your diet, exercising regularly, taking pain-relieving medications, and getting plenty of rest are helpful ways of coping with the effects of cancer and its treatment. To learn more, read CancerCare’s fact sheet, “Managing Symptoms of Polycythemia Vera.”

Seek Emotional Support

Join a support group. A support group connects you to other people coping with similar situations. CancerCare’s face-to-face, telephone, and online support groups are led by professional oncology social workers who specialize in helping people facing cancer.

Accept help. People with cancer often worry that they will be a burden to family or friends, and overlook the fact that many family and friends often want to help. It may help if you break down your needs into categories, including practical ones that others can help you with. For example, do you need help with household chores, transportation to appointments or managing paperwork?

Take time for yourself. Take care of yourself by connecting with sources of strength, which can include activities like prayer, meditation or even taking a relaxing walk. Learn some deep-breathing and relaxation techniques to calm your mind and body. Take a long bath, or read a good book. Research shows that people with cancer who better manage stress and maintain a positive outlook often do better throughout their diagnosis and treatment.

Browse by Diagnosis

Browse by Topic

Thumbnail of the PDF version of Coping With Polycythemia Vera (PV)

Download a PDF(38.6 KB) of this publication.

This fact sheet was made possible by Incyte Corporation.


Back to Top
Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
