
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
More episodes of MPN Pod: Stories from the Marrow
- Catching up with Gary Linehan: Living with PV and his Next Big Adventure · April 8, 2026 · 22 min
- A Young Patient's Journey: Balancing Career and Polycythemia Vera · March 4, 2026 · 25 min
- A 2025 Year in Review for Polycythemia Vera · January 21, 2026 · 26 min
- Self-Empowerment & Polycythemia Vera · December 10, 2025 · 28 min
- Managing Your PV and Mental Health · September 24, 2025 · 30 min
- Self Advocacy in Polycythemia Vera: A Patient's Perspective · August 20, 2025 · 25 min
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