Correlative Biomarker Study in Patients With Myeloproliferative Disorders

Researchers will use abnormal blood and/or bone marrow cells, or materials derived from these
abnormal cells, like DNA, RNA, protein or plasma, in laboratory studies. Toenail clippings
will provide normal material like DNA for comparison with the abnormal material derived from
the blood and/or bone marrow. The results of these studies will be correlated with subjects'
disease symptoms and response to their experimental treatment. The MPD-RC researchers are
interested in studying molecules from the blood and bone marrow, the exact molecules changing
over time with the investigators choosing only the most promising for investigation.

The investigators are attempting to better understand the causes of MPD and to develop
improved methods for the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. These syndromes carry a
high risk of developing leukemia. It is important to continue to learn more about these blood
cancers and to learn more about the effectiveness and potential side effects of various
treatments. It is believed that further basic knowledge about these cancer cells as well as
the effects of treatment will lead to the improvement of current therapies and the
development of entirely new treatments for these diseases. The MPD-RC is hoping to determine
if a number of laboratory tests (biomarkers) will allow for the prediction of response in
future patients to the treatment they would receive.