Essential Thrombocythemia 101

Essential Thrombocythemia 101

From MPN Pod: Stories from the Marrow by BloodStream Media

June 3, 2026 · 34 min · Season 3 · Episode 3

About this episode

Dr. Tony Hunter discusses essential thrombocythemia, its diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment options.

In this episode of The MPN Pod, hosts Kay and Josh sit down with Dr. Tony Hunter, an MPN specialist and associate professor at Emory University, for a comprehensive ET 101. Dr. Hunter breaks down what essential thrombocythemia is, how it's diagnosed (often incidentally through routine bloodwork) and the driver mutations (JAK2, CALR, MPL) behind the disease. The conversation covers the wide spectrum of ET symptoms, from debilitating fatigue to blood clotting risks, as well as treatment options including aspirin, hydroxyurea, and interferons. Dr. Hunter also emphasizes the importance of shared decision-making, seeking second opinions, and taking an active role in managing a chronic blood cancer. Check out piecetogetheret.com and piecetogetherpv.com to learn more.

People in this episode

Hosts: Kay, Josh

Guest: Dr. Tony Hunter

Topics covered

  • essential thrombocythemia
  • blood cancer
  • diagnosis
  • treatment options
  • patient management

Keywords

  • essential thrombocythemia
  • JAK2
  • CALR
  • MPL
  • blood clotting
  • fatigue
  • treatment options
  • chronic blood cancer

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Emory University, BloodStream Media, piece together et, piece together pv

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