Abdul Mannan: The Hardest Conversations in Myelofibrosis
Abdul Mannan, Consultant Haematologist at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, shared a post on LinkedIn:
”Myelofibrosis is the hardest MPN to face.
For patients and for us.
Bone marrow replaced by scar tissue.
Spleen the size of a football. Fatigue that doesn’t lift.
And a prognosis that forces you into some of the most difficult conversations in haematology.
So when we risk-stratify, we have to get it right.
Here’s the simplest way to remember the molecular picture:
- CALR type 1 equal the one favourable signal in a tough disease. Better survival. The kindest mutation MF offers.
- ASXL1, SRSF2, EZH2, IDH1/2 equal high-risk mutations that drive faster progression and worse outcomes.
- U2AF1 Q157 equal now formally recognised as adverse in MIPSS70 plus v2.0 and GIPSS. A newer addition to an already difficult list.
- Getting this molecular profile right decides who needs transplant, and when.
MIPSS70 plus v2.0 (Guglielmelli et al., Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2018) and GIPSS (Passamonti et al., Leukemia, 2017) both integrate these mutations into risk scoring. These aren’t just academic exercises. They shape real decisions for real patients.
Memory line for trainees: CALR type 1 is kind. The rest are not.
In a disease this serious, clarity in risk assessment is the least we can offer our patients.
What’s the toughest MF conversation you’ve had with a patient recently?”

More posts from Abdul Mannan on Hemostasis Today.
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May 18, 2026, 15:57Bridging Innovation and Access at the WFH 2026 World Congress – South African Haemophilia Foundation
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May 18, 2026, 15:55Pierre François Sabouret: Network Meta-Analysis of Antithrombotic Therapy in Ischemic Stroke Patients
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May 18, 2026, 15:53How to Recognize a Stroke – UNC Health
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May 18, 2026, 15:47Tagreed Alkaltham: Are You Eligible to Donate Blood?
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May 18, 2026, 14:47Ting Yuan: Understanding the Complexity Behind Repeated IVF Failure
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May 18, 2026, 14:33Global Resolution on Advancing Comprehensive Care and Health Equity for People with Bleeding Disorders Worldwide at the 79th WHA – WFH
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May 18, 2026, 14:25Salih Ehsan: Key Diagnostic Clues in Thalassemia Minor
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May 18, 2026, 14:02Matteo Foschi: A Global Gathering for Stroke Innovation and Research at ESOC 2026
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May 18, 2026, 14:01Who is the NBA? – Haemophilia Foundation Australia