What does it mean when you test positive for JAK 2

JAK2 is a protein that functions as a signal to regulate cell functions. It sends messages in the cell, telling it to grow and make more cells, or else to stop when the body does not need more cells.
Researchers believe that in MPD patients, the mutation in JAK2 enhances messages asking for more cell production. The result is too many blood cells which clog the blood and make it sticky.

The JAK2 mutation (also called the V617F JAK2) is found in about:

• half of patients with too many platelets in their blood (ET)
  
  
• half of patients with too many fibroblasts in their blood (MF)
  
  
• 95 per cent of patients with too many red cells in their blood (PV).
  
  The test for the JAK2 mutation is very simple and can be done on a teaspoon of blood; results generally take 1-2 weeks.
  
  It's thought the JAK2 mutation is likely to occur as a result of some damage to the bone marrow, for example as a result of viral infections or background radiation.
  
  

• half of patients with too many platelets in their blood (ET)
  
  
• half of patients with too many fibroblasts in their blood (MF)
  
  
• 95 per cent of patients with too many red cells in their blood (PV).
  
  The test for the JAK2 mutation is very simple and can be done on a teaspoon of blood; results generally take 1-2 weeks.
  
  It's thought the JAK2 mutation is likely to occur as a result of some damage to the bone marrow, for example as a result of viral infections or background radiation.
  
  

On 11/25/2007 Ethan wrote:

Call Mayo Clinci, they are on line to have a cure within 1-3 yrs.  Jak2 is where all the research is being done.

Is there any further information on this?  Also, is there any alternative therapies/supplements that have worked when JAK2 Positive?

On 3/28/2009 melash wrote:

 

On 11/25/2007 Ethan wrote:

Call Mayo Clinci, they are on line to have a cure within 1-3 yrs.  Jak2 is where all the research is being done.

Is there any further information on this?  Also, is there any alternative therapies/supplements that have worked when JAK2 Positive?

On 6/10/2009 Deannamarie wrote:

my dad has myelofibrosis and they are talking to him about JAK 2.  Could all of this help him?  He was on Revlimid for one year and now they say itis not working and his spleen is getting to large and he has lost too much weight.  I am now hopeful about this JAK 2 possibility.  What do you think?

I understand that the JAK 2 mutation is where the myelofibrosis starts.  But not all myelofibrosis people have the JAK 2.  The chemo that my husband is taking targets the JAK 2 gene mutation.  He now takes 400 mg a day.  This is the second month with the higher dose.  The indications are that the chemo is helping.

This is the second clinical trial that he has been on.  HIs spleen was getting large too, the chemo helped shrink the spleen.  He has not been on Revlimid.

It is good to ask questions.

retired teacher