Ruxolitinib for myelofibrosis-an update of its clinical effects.

Ruxolitinib for myelofibrosis-an update of its clinical effects. Clin Lymphoma Myeloma Leuk. 2013 Dec;13(6):638-45 Authors: Kantarjian HM, Silver RT, Komrokji RS, Mesa RA, Tacke R, Harrison CN Abstract Myelofibrosis (MF), a Philadelphia chromosome-negative myeloproliferative neoplasm, is characterized by progressive bone marrow fibrosis and ineffective hematopoiesis. Clinical hallmarks include splenomegaly, anemia, and debilitating symptoms. In 2 randomized phase III studies, the Janus kinase (JAK) 1/JAK2 inhibitor ruxolitinib significantly improved splenomegaly and disease-related symptoms compared with placebo (Controlled Myelofibrosis Study with Oral JAK Inhibitor Treatment [COMFORT-I]) or best available therapy (COMFORT-II) in patients with intermediate-2 or high-risk MF. Although ruxolitinib therapy was associated with dose-dependent anemia and thrombocytopenia, these adverse events rarely led to treatment discontinuation. This update of the clinical effects of ruxolitinib in patients with MF was based on original articles and meeting abstracts published after the primary publication of the COMFORT trials in March 2012. Long-term follow-up data from the COMFORT trials and clinical experience with ruxolitinib in unselected patient populations suggest that improvement of splenomegaly and symptoms is durable. Patients benefit from ruxolitinib therapy across subgroups defined by age, MF type, risk category, performance status, JAK2 V617F muta...
Source: Clinical Lymphoma and Myeloma - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Tags: Clin Lymphoma Myeloma Leuk Source Type: research