Dr. Mauro on Current and Emerging Agents for MPNs

Michael J. Mauro, MD, a hematologist and leader of the Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, discusses some of the emerging and current therapies for patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs).

There have been some large questions in the field of polycythemia vera (PV) and thrombocytosis for essential thrombocytopenia (ET). Additionally, he adds, an ongoing trial of high-risk patients is asking the question of whether frontline interferon versus hydroxyurea is more effective. At the 2016 ASH Annual Meeting, a study presented demonstrated fairly equal results regarding hematologic response, bone marrow, and molecular response. However, longer follow-up is needed, he says.

Regarding the use of ruxolitinib (Jakafi) in myelofibrosis, Mauro also questions if there is a different JAK inhibitor that could offset some of the anemia observed with ruxolitinib. There are updated data from studies of pacritinib, another JAK inhibitor, with the possibility to be useful in patients with low platelets, he explains.

There has also been updated findings with the JAK inhibitor momelotinib that could possibly offset anemia. Some trials showed that it offered some similar benefits of ruxolitinib, but not as complete as anticipated.