Thrombotic events in myeloproliferative neoplasms could "Medical Nutrition Therapy" have an additional but important role?

Abstract

Polycythemia vera (PV), and essential thrombocythemia (ET) patients are characterized by an increased incidence of arterial and venous thromboses. To prevent vascular events is one of the most important challenges in the disease management, as thrombosis could be responsible for the morbidity and mortality in many cases. Since thrombosis can be an early complication of MPNs, an effective antithrombotic strategy has to be started as soon as the disease is diagnosed. Beside the use of appropriate medical therapies and preventive measures against cardiovascular risk factors, a healthy lifestyle may also have importance in MPNs, as it has already been accepted in the general population. However, it has not been accepted yet in the treatment of neoplasms, according to the general notion, thrombosis is "caused" by the disease rather than by the interplay of various factors. The relation between the disease and the thrombotic events is indisputable, though the role of the neoplasm accompanied by other diseases such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, or unhealthy life style, obesity, and smoking should be mentioned as addictive factors in case of myeloproliferative neoplasms thus increasing the susceptibility to developing a thrombosis. In this short communication, according to relevant medical literature, the author describes her concerns if cardiovascular diseases may be prevented by eliminating modifiable risk factors, and following a healthy diet, healthy life style and controlling body weight, and whether it may have an important benefit in the successful management of MPN patients. Should we apply the “medical nutrition therapy” consciously in the most appropriate and effective antithrombotic strategy?