Dr Palandri on Efforts to Elucidate the Role of Predictive Markers for Ruxolitinib in Myelofibrosis

"In the future, I hope that we can have an integrated model sharing clinical and molecular parameters in order to guide our treatment decisions. The implementation of molecular findings over time could be a step forward in our understanding of [this] disease and also in optimizing the management of myelofibrosis."

Francesca Palandri, MD, an adjunct professor in the Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences at the University of Bologna in Italy, discussed additional research that could elucidate the role of predictive markers for ruxolitinib (Jakafi) response in myelofibrosis, alongside other clinical parameters.

In myelofibrosis, a critical need remains for a more comprehensive and integrated approach to evaluating for clinical predictors of response with ruxolitinib based on individual disease phenotypes, Palandri began. She stressed the importance of addressing and influencing physician attitude, aiming to stimulate a correct and timely use of ruxolitinib to ensure patients receive this therapy at optimal stages of their disease course. Beyond these clinical and behavioral factors, it is imperative to continuously implement knowledge of the biological characteristics of a disease, Palandri underscored. Looking to the future, Palandri expressed a strong hope for the development of an integrated model that effectively combines clinical parameters and molecular parameters to guide treatment decisions. This approach would lead to more personalized and effective therapeutic strategies for improved patient outcomes, Palandri stated.

Another critical aspect of research in myelofibrosis is the ability to assess the dynamics of a disease over time, Palandri continued. She pointed to the significant utility of established prognostic models, specifically noting the recent integration of a prognostic model of response with ruxolitinib. This model may be very important to evaluate the dynamics of a disease over the first 6 months of therapy, Palandri noted. Identifying patients who may experience poor prognosis allows for more timely intervention or adjustment of therapy to mitigate adverse outcomes, she said. Overall, the implementation of molecular findings over time could be a step forward in understanding the disease and optimizing the management of myelofibrosis, Palandri concluded.