Essential thrombocythaemia treatment options: addressing patient-specific needs.

Essential thrombocythaemia (ET) is generally associated with a more favourable prognosis compared with other myeloproliferative disorders. Several studies have demonstrated that life expectancy is not significantly affected by the disease (1–3), although conflicting results have been reported (4–6). One study reported that life expectancy during the first decade of the disease is similar to control subjects, but worsens during the second and third decades (7). Therapeutic options for ET are generally targeted at reducing the risk of complications such as thromboses and haemorrhages (8). However, most current treatment options have limitations such as side effects. In seeking a treatment strategy that optimally balances the risks of disease-related complications against the risks of therapeutic intervention, it is important to individualise treatment plans according to the needs of each patient.