Dr. Mesa Discusses the Management of Patients With MPNs

Ruben Mesa, MD, director, The Mays Cancer Center, the newly named center of UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, discusses the management of patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs).

Mesa says that the key with MPNs is that there are evolving options, and physicians should be cognizant of that when treating their patients. There are some patients who are on therapies such as hydroxyurea for too long and are not having a sufficient response. The treating physician should be able to recognize that and switch their patient to a different therapy.

Additionally, there are patients who are observed for too long while clearly having evidence of progressive or problematic disease, Mesa says. These individuals could potentially benefit from cytoreduction. Mesa advises physicians to not be afraid to change therapies.