The goal of treatment for most patients with myelofibrosis is to relieve symptoms. Hear Dr. Gerds discuss standard of care treatment options and new therapies for treating patients with myelofibrosis.
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The goal of treatment for most patients with myelofibrosis is to relieve symptoms. A provider will use a formula to assign a risk category (indicating aggressiveness) for the disease. Myelofibrosis categorized as low risk may not require treatment. Instead, a provider would monitor a patient’s health through regular checkup to watch for signs of disease progression. For those patients with intermediate- or high-risk, treatment most often focuses on managing symptoms.
CANCER BUZZ spoke to Aaron Gerds, MD, MS, Associate Professor of Medicine in Hematology & Medical Oncology, Deputy Director for Clinical Research at the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute, and Medical Director at the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Clinical Research Office in Cleveland, OH. Hear Dr. Gerds discuss standard of care treatment options and new therapies for treating patients with myelofibrosis.
Guest
Aaron Gerds, MD, MS
Associate Professor of Medicine in Hematology & Medical Oncology
Deputy Director for Clinical Research
Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute
Medical Director, Clinical Research Office
Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
Cleveland, OH
“I think the biggest thing when taking care of patients with myelofibrosis is to know what is driving the disease in the patient in front of you. What are the mutations and chromosomes driving disease as well as symptoms and presentation of disease.” — Aaron Gerds, MD, MS
“There is a big focus on quality of life for myelofibrosis, but none of these things that patients feel are solely from disease…” — Aaron Gerds, MD, MS
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This project is supported by AbbVie and GSK.
The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s)/faculty member(s) and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer(s) or the Association of Cancer Care Centers.
July 8, 2026
June 30, 2026
At the 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting, the Louisiana Oncology Society received the ASCO Jeffrey C Ward Affiliate Advocacy Award for advancing critical advocacy priorities that have translated into meaningful legislative victories. The Iowa Oncology Society and Washington State Medical Oncology Society were also recognized for their advocacy efforts in 2025 at the meeting, receiving second place awards.
