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Rachel V Thomas

BBC News Presenter Maryam Moshiri Reveals Incurable Blood Cancer: What Is Polycythemia Vera?

<span>BBC News presenter Maryam Moshiri</span> has opened up about her experience of living with an incurable <span>blood cancer</span> for the past two years.

Moshiri, 49, was diagnosed with <span>Polycythemia Vera</span> (PV) in November 2024. The condition affects the bone marrow and causes the blood to become thicker than normal.

While undergoing treatment, Moshiri has continued to work and has spoken about the challenges of managing her condition alongside her career.

“I love what I do. I love being where the story is. I don’t want to allow blood cancer to stop me from doing my work,” she told The Times.

<h2><span rel="noindex">Maryam Moshiri</span> Opens Up About Living With Blood Cancer</h2>

Moshiri’s treatment involves having blood removed to reduce the concentration of red blood cells, a procedure that can leave her feeling exhausted.

She has also opened up about the challenges of continuing to work while experiencing fatigue related to her cancer treatment.

“I was working 14-hour days, constantly on air, constantly having to think on my feet, and holding it together, despite the fact that I had this chronic tiredness and fatigue,” she was quoted as saying.

“When you’re doing live news, you have this rush of adrenaline, and you just have to get on with it.”

Moshiri, who is a mother of three children aged 13, 11 and 9, also highlighted how she has struggled with constant fatigue while managing family life.

Polycythemia vera is a disorder in which the bone marrow produces excessive amounts of blood cells. In PV, the major problem is an overproduction of red blood cells.

An increased number of red blood cells means a higher proportion of cells are circulating in the blood. This can make the blood thicker and increase the risk of blood clots, stroke and heart attack.

Doctors therefore pay close attention to a patient's hematocrit, which represents the proportion of blood made up of red blood cells.

One of the major treatment goals is to keep hematocrit below 45%, which helps reduce cardiovascular risks.

<h2>How Is Polycythemia Vera Treated?</h2>

One of the traditional ways of controlling PV is removing some blood. The procedure, called phlebotomy, involves taking blood from a vein to reduce the number of circulating red blood cells and bring the hematocrit level down.

For some patients, this can become a recurring procedure. They may need repeated blood draws even while receiving standard treatment. This treatment burden is one reason a new drug for PV has attracted attention.

<h2>FDA Approves Drug for Polycythemia Vera</h2>

Late last month, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved <span>Mimrylo</span> (rusfertide) for adults with polycythemia vera (PV).

The drug is the first approved treatment for PV that mimics hepcidin, a naturally occurring hormone that regulates iron in the body.

The approval is particularly significant for patients whose disease remains inadequately controlled despite existing treatment and who need frequent blood-removal procedures.

“People living with polycythemia vera have long faced the challenge of managing a chronic blood disorder with frequent blood draws,” said Tanya Wroblewski, Director of the Division of Nonmalignant Hematology at the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.

The FDA granted priority review and approved the drug to Takeda Pharmaceuticals America.

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BBC News presenter Maryam Moshiri has opened up about her experience of living with an incurable blood cancer for the past two years.Moshiri, 49, was diagnosed with Polycythemia Vera (PV) in November 2024. The condition affects the bone marrow and causes the blood to become thicker than normal.While undergoing treatment, Moshiri has continued to work and has spoken about the challenges of managing her condition alongside her career.“I love what I do. I love being where the story is. I don’t want to allow blood cancer to stop me from doing my work,” she told The Times.Maryam Moshiri Opens Up About Living With Blood CancerMoshiri’s treatment involves having blood removed to reduce the concentration of red blood cells, a procedure that can leave her feeling exhausted.She has also opened up about the challenges of continuing to work while experiencing fatigue related to her cancer treatment.“I was working 14-hour days, constantly on air, constantly having to think on my feet, and holding it together, despite the fact that I had this chronic tiredness and fatigue,” she was quoted as saying.“When you’re doing live news, you have this rush of adrenaline, and you just have to get on with it.”Moshiri, who is a mother of three children aged 13, 11 and 9, also highlighted how she has struggled with constant fatigue while managing family life. What Is Polycythemia Vera?Polycythemia vera is a disorder in which the bone marrow produces excessive amounts of blood cells. In PV, the major problem is an overproduction of red blood cells.An increased number of red blood cells means a higher proportion of cells are circulating in the blood. This can make the blood thicker and increase the risk of blood clots, stroke and heart attack.Doctors therefore pay close attention to a patient's hematocrit, which represents the proportion of blood made up of red blood cells.One of the major treatment goals is to keep hematocrit below 45%, which helps reduce cardiovascular risks.How Is Polycythemia Vera Treated?One of the traditional ways of controlling PV is removing some blood. The procedure, called phlebotomy, involves taking blood from a vein to reduce the number of circulating red blood cells and bring the hematocrit level down.For some patients, this can become a recurring procedure. They may need repeated blood draws even while receiving standard treatment. This treatment burden is one reason a new drug for PV has attracted attention.FDA Approves Drug for Polycythemia VeraLate last month, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Mimrylo (rusfertide) for adults with polycythemia vera (PV).The drug is the first approved treatment for PV that mimics hepcidin, a naturally occurring hormone that regulates iron in the body.The approval is particularly significant for patients whose disease remains inadequately controlled despite existing treatment and who need frequent blood-removal procedures.“People living with polycythemia vera have long faced the challenge of managing a chronic blood disorder with frequent blood draws,” said Tanya Wroblewski, Director of the Division of Nonmalignant Hematology at the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.The FDA granted priority review and approved the drug to Takeda Pharmaceuticals America.

bbc news presenter maryam moshiri reveals incurable blood cancer: what is polycythemia vera?

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