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Chojecki A, Boselli D, Dortilus A, Hamadeh I, Begley S, Chen T, Bose R, Podoltsev N, Zeidan AM, Balmaceda NB, Yacoub A, Ai J, Knight TG, Ragon BK, Shah NA, Sanikommu SR, Symanowski J, Mesa R, Grunwald MR. Hematocrit control and thrombotic risk in patients with polycythemia vera treated with ruxolitinib in clinical practice. Ann Hematol 2024:10.1007/s00277-024-05735-7. [PMID: 38662203 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-024-05735-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Polycythemia vera (PV) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by unregulated red blood cell production resulting in elevated hemoglobin and/or hematocrit levels. Patients often have symptoms such as fatigue, pruritus, and painful splenomegaly, but are also at risk of thrombosis, both venous and arterial. Ruxolitinib, a selective Janus kinase inhibitor, is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as second-line cytoreductive treatment after intolerance or inadequate response to hydroxyurea. Although ruxolitinib has been widely used in this setting, limited data exist in the literature on ruxolitinib treatment patterns and outcomes among patients with PV in routine clinical practice. We report a retrospective, observational, cohort study of patients treated for PV with ruxolitinib across three US centers (academic and regional practice) from December 2014-December 2019. The study included 69 patients, with a median follow-up duration of 3.7 years (95% CI, 2.9-4.4). Our data demonstrate very high rates of hematocrit control (88% of patients by three months and 89% by six months); few patients required dose adjustments or suspension. No arterial thromboses were observed; however, the follow-up duration does not allow for the generation of meaningful conclusions from this. Three patients had thrombotic events; one was in the setting of a second malignancy, one post-operative, and a third related to prolonged immobility. We also found that 28% of patients initiated ruxolitinib as a result of poorly controlled platelet counts, second only to hydroxyurea intolerance (46%) as a reason to start therapy. In clinical practice, ruxolitinib continues to be effective in controlling hematocrit levels after three and six months of treatment in patients and is associated with low thrombotic risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksander Chojecki
- Department of Hematologic Oncology and Blood Disorders, Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Charlotte, NC, USA.
| | - Danielle Boselli
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Sciences, Levine Cancer Institute, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Allison Dortilus
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Sciences, Levine Cancer Institute, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Issam Hamadeh
- Department of Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Stephanie Begley
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Sciences, Levine Cancer Institute, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Tommy Chen
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Sciences, Levine Cancer Institute, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Rupali Bose
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Sciences, Levine Cancer Institute, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Nikolai Podoltsev
- Hematology Section, Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Amer M Zeidan
- Hematology Section, Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nicole Baranda Balmaceda
- Department of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapies, Kansas University, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Abdulraheem Yacoub
- Department of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapies, Kansas University, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Jing Ai
- Department of Hematologic Oncology and Blood Disorders, Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Thomas Gregory Knight
- Department of Hematologic Oncology and Blood Disorders, Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Brittany Knick Ragon
- Department of Hematologic Oncology and Blood Disorders, Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Nilay Arvind Shah
- Department of Hematologic Oncology and Blood Disorders, Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Srinivasa Reddy Sanikommu
- Department of Hematologic Oncology and Blood Disorders, Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - James Symanowski
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Sciences, Levine Cancer Institute, Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Ruben Mesa
- Department of Hematologic Oncology and Blood Disorders, Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Michael Richard Grunwald
- Department of Hematologic Oncology and Blood Disorders, Atrium Health Levine Cancer Institute, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Charlotte, NC, USA
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Masarova L, Chifotides HT. SOHO State of the Art Update and Next Questions: Novel Therapies for Polycythemia Vera. CLINICAL LYMPHOMA, MYELOMA & LEUKEMIA 2024; 24:141-148. [PMID: 38135633 DOI: 10.1016/j.clml.2023.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
In the recent years, landmark advancements in the treatment of polycythemia vera (PV) have been achieved. We witnessed the regulatory approval of ropeginterferon and the advanced clinical development of other novel agents that may affect the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease. Agents with the potential of disease modification may soon overtake preceding treatment options that were based on the patient's age and history of thrombosis. Recent studies using ropeginterferon in low-risk PV patients earlier in the disease course challenge the current treatment paradigm and shift the focus on modifying the course of the disease. Hepcidin mimetics offer an excellent alternative to phlebotomy, providing better quality of life, and may lead to improved outcomes in PV by tight hematocrit control. Novel agents, such as histone deacetylase inhibitors, hold promise to complement the therapeutic landscape of PV and might be particularly promising in rationale combinations. Ruxolitinib is well established as an approved second-line treatment for PV. In the frontline setting, the precise role of ruxolitinib, which also represents an appealing agent in combination regimens, will be determined in ongoing research studies. Longer follow-up is necessary to assess whether novel agents/regimens elicit fewer thromboembolic/ hemorrhagic events and halt disease progression to myelofibrosis and acute myeloid leukemia. We aspire that disease-modifying approaches in PV are on the horizon, and that we will be empowered to ultimately change the natural course of the disease and profoundly impact the lives of PV patients in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Masarova
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030.
| | - Helen T Chifotides
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030
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Boldrini V, Vannucchi AM, Guglielmelli P. A safety evaluation of ruxolitinib for the treatment of polycythemia vera. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2024; 23:1-7. [PMID: 38156903 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2023.2299391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Polycythemia Vera (PV) is a chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm hallmarked by deregulated proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells leading to prevalent expansion of red cell mass, increased rate of vascular events, splenomegaly, disease-associated symptoms, and risk of evolution to secondary myelofibrosis and blast phase. PV is pathogenetically associated with autonomously persistent activation of JAK2, which causes overproduction of blood cells and an inflammatory condition responsible for the clinical manifestations of the disease. Extensively supported by preclinical studies, targeting JAK2-dependent signaling represents a rational therapeutic approach to PV, finally leading to the approval of ruxolitinib, a JAK1/2 inhibitor. AREAS COVERED (LITERATURE RESEARCH) We analyzed reports of phase 2 and phase 3 trials with ruxolitinib in PV and relevant literature dealing with efficacy and safety aspects, including most recent real-world reports. EXPERT OPINION Ruxolitinib is the only JAK2 inhibitor approved for the treatment of PV with well-known efficacy for splenomegaly, symptoms, and potentially reduction of vascular events. The treatment regimen is notably manageable and safe, with the most prevalent side effects primarily encompassing myelosuppression, hyperlipidemia, non-melanoma skin cancer and infections, mainly reactivation of Herpes Zoster. These effects necessitate ongoing surveillance and proactive preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Boldrini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandro M Vannucchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- CRIMM, Center for Research and Innovation of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Guglielmelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- CRIMM, Center for Research and Innovation of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
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Kirito K. Recent progress of JAK inhibitors for hematological disorders. Immunol Med 2023; 46:131-142. [PMID: 36305377 DOI: 10.1080/25785826.2022.2139317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
JAK inhibitors are important therapeutic options for hematological disorders, especially myeloproliferative neoplasms. Ruxolitinib, the first JAK inhibitor approved for clinical use, improves splenomegaly and ameliorates constitutional symptoms in both myelofibrosis and polycythemia vera patients. Ruxolitinib is also useful for controlling hematocrit levels in polycythemia vera patients who were inadequately controlled by conventional therapies. Furthermore, pretransplantation use of ruxolitinib may improve the outcome of allo-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in myelofibrosis. In contrast to these clinical merits, evidence of the disease-modifying action of ruxolitinib, i.e., reduction of malignant clones or improvement of bone marrow pathological findings, is limited, and many myelofibrosis patients discontinued ruxolitinib due to adverse events or disease progression. To overcome these limitations of ruxolitinib, several new types of JAK inhibitors have been developed. Among them, fedratinib was proven to provide clinical merits even in patients who were resistant or intolerant to ruxolitinib. Pacritinib and momelotinib have shown merits for myelofibrosis patients with thrombocytopenia or anemia, respectively. In addition to treatment for myeloproliferative neoplasms, recent studies have demonstrated that JAK inhibitors are novel and attractive therapeutic options for corticosteroid-refractory acute as well as chronic graft versus host disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keita Kirito
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
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Yadav R, Hakobyan N, Wang JC. Role of Next Generation Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor (ICI) Therapy in Philadelphia Negative Classic Myeloproliferative Neoplasm (MPN): Review of the Literature. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12502. [PMID: 37569880 PMCID: PMC10420159 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The Philadelphia chromosome-negative (Ph-) myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), which include essential thrombocythemia (ET), polycythemia vera (PV), and myelofibrosis (MF), are enduring and well-known conditions. These disorders are characterized by the abnormal growth of one or more hematopoietic cell lineages in the body's stem cells, leading to the enlargement of organs and the manifestation of constitutional symptoms. Numerous studies have provided evidence indicating that the pathogenesis of these diseases involves the dysregulation of the immune system and the presence of chronic inflammation, both of which are significant factors. Lately, the treatment of cancer including hematological malignancy has progressed on the agents aiming for the immune system, cytokine environment, immunotherapy agents, and targeted immune therapy. Immune checkpoints are the molecules that regulate T cell function in the tumor microenvironment (TME). The first line of primary immune checkpoints are programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1), and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4). Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy (ICIT) exerts its anti-tumor actions by blocking the inhibitory pathways in T cells and has reformed cancer treatment. Despite the impressive clinical success of ICIT, tumor internal resistance poses a challenge for oncologists leading to a low response rate in solid tumors and hematological malignancies. A Phase II trial on nivolumab for patients with post-essential thrombocythemia myelofibrosis, primary myelofibrosis, or post-polycythemia myelofibrosis was performed (Identifier: NCT02421354). This trial tested the efficacy of a PD-1 blockade agent, namely nivolumab, but was terminated prematurely due to adverse events and lack of efficacy. A multicenter, Phase II, single-arm open-label study was conducted including pembrolizumab in patients with primary thrombocythemia, post-essential thrombocythemia or post-polycythemia vera myelofibrosis that were ineligible for or were previously treated with ruxolitinib. This study showed that pembrolizumab treatment did not have many adverse events, but there were no pertinent clinical responses hence it was terminated after the first stage was completed. To avail the benefits from immunotherapy, the paradigm has shifted to new immune checkpoints in the TME such as lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3), T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (TIM-3), T cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT), V-domain immunoglobulin-containing suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA), and human endogenous retrovirus-H long terminal repeat-associating protein 2 (HHLA2) forming the basis of next-generation ICIT. The primary aim of this article is to underscore and elucidate the significance of next-generation ICIT in the context of MPN. Specifically, we aim to explore the potential of monoclonal antibodies as targeted immunotherapy and the development of vaccines targeting specific MPN epitopes, with the intent of augmenting tumor-related immune responses. It is anticipated that these therapeutic modalities rooted in immunotherapy will not only expand but also enhance the existing treatment regimens for patients afflicted with MPN. Preliminary studies from our laboratory showed over-expressed MDSC and over-expressed VISTA in MDSC, and in progenitor and immune cells directing the need for more clinical trials using next-generation ICI in the treatment of MPN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruchi Yadav
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11212, USA; (R.Y.); (N.H.)
| | - Narek Hakobyan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11212, USA; (R.Y.); (N.H.)
| | - Jen-Chin Wang
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11212, USA
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Verstovsek S, Krečak I, Heidel FH, De Stefano V, Bryan K, Zuurman MW, Zaiac M, Morelli M, Smyth A, Redondo S, Bigan E, Ruhl M, Meier C, Beffy M, Kiladjian JJ. Identifying Patients with Polycythemia Vera at Risk of Thrombosis after Hydroxyurea Initiation: The Polycythemia Vera-Advanced Integrated Models (PV-AIM) Project. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1925. [PMID: 37509564 PMCID: PMC10377437 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with polycythemia vera (PV) are at significant risk of thromboembolic events (TE). The PV-AIM study used the Optum® de-identified Electronic Health Record dataset and machine learning to identify markers of TE in a real-world population. Data for 82,960 patients with PV were extracted: 3852 patients were treated with hydroxyurea (HU) only, while 130 patients were treated with HU and then changed to ruxolitinib (HU-ruxolitinib). For HU-alone patients, the annualized incidence rates (IR; per 100 patients) decreased from 8.7 (before HU) to 5.6 (during HU) but increased markedly to 10.5 (continuing HU). Whereas for HU-ruxolitinib patients, the IR decreased from 10.8 (before HU) to 8.4 (during HU) and was maintained at 8.3 (after switching to ruxolitinib). To better understand markers associated with TE risk, we built a machine-learning model for HU-alone patients and validated it using an independent dataset. The model identified lymphocyte percentage (LYP), neutrophil percentage (NEP), and red cell distribution width (RDW) as key markers of TE risk, and optimal thresholds for these markers were established, from which a decision tree was derived. Using these widely used laboratory markers, the decision tree could be used to identify patients at high risk for TE, facilitate treatment decisions, and optimize patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srdan Verstovsek
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ivan Krečak
- Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital of Sibenik-Knin County, 22000 Sibenik, Croatia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Florian H. Heidel
- Hematology, Oncology, Stem Cell Transplantation and Palliative Care, Internal Medicine C, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Valerio De Stefano
- Sezione di Ematologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Radiologiche ed Ematologiche, Università Cattolica, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy
| | - Kenneth Bryan
- Novartis Ireland Limited, Dublin 4, D04 A9N6 Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | | | - Aoife Smyth
- Novartis Pharma AG, CH-4056 Basel, Switzerland
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Limited, London W12 7FQ, UK
| | | | - Erwan Bigan
- The Boston Consulting Group, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| | - Michael Ruhl
- The Boston Consulting Group, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| | | | - Magali Beffy
- The Boston Consulting Group, Boston, MA 02210, USA
| | - Jean-Jacques Kiladjian
- Centre d’Investigations Cliniques (INSERM CIC 1427), Université de Paris, Hôpital Saint-Louis, AP-HP, 75010 Paris, France
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Krecak I, Skelin M, Verstovsek S. Evaluating ropeginterferon alfa-2b for the treatment of adults with polycythemia vera. Expert Rev Hematol 2023; 16:305-316. [PMID: 37002907 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2023.2199151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Interferons (IFNs) have been used for decades to treat polycythemia vera (PV). Single-arm clinical trials assessing IFN in PV patients demonstrated high hematological and molecular response rates, indicating potential disease-modifying activity of IFN. However, discontinuation rates of IFNs have been rather high due to frequent treatment-related side-effects. AREAS COVERED Ropeginterferon alfa-2b (ROPEG) is a monopegylated IFN consisting of a single isoform, which differentiates it from previous IFNs with respect to tolerability and dosing frequency. ROPEG has improved pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, which allow extended dosing every 2 weeks and monthly administration during maintenance phase. This review covers ROPEG's pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, presents results of randomized clinical trials (RCT) that evaluated ROPEG in the treatment of PV patients, and discusses contemporary findings regarding the potential disease-modifying activity of ROPEG. EXPERT OPINION RCT have demonstrated high rates of hematological and molecular responses in PV patients treated with ROPEG, irrespective of thrombotic risk. Drug discontinuation rates were generally low. However, even though RCT captured the most important surrogate endpoints of thrombotic risk and disease progression in PV, they were not statistically powered to fully determine whether therapeutic intervention with ROPEG indeed has a direct positive effect on these important clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Krecak
- Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital of Sibenik-Knin County, Sibenik, Croatia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Marko Skelin
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
- Pharmacy Department, General Hospital of Šibenik-Knin County, Šibenik, Croatia
| | - Srdan Verstovsek
- Department of Leukemia, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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Kuykendall AT. Treatment of hydroxyurea-resistant/intolerant polycythemia vera: a discussion of best practices. Ann Hematol 2023; 102:985-993. [PMID: 36944847 PMCID: PMC10113291 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-023-05172-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Polycythemia vera (PV) is a burdensome, chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by activating mutations in Janus kinase 2, erythrocytosis, and bone marrow hypercellularity. The goals of treatment are to achieve hematocrit and blood count control to ultimately reduce the risk of thrombohemorrhagic events and improve PV-related symptoms. Treatment is risk-stratified and typically includes cytoreduction with hydroxyurea or interferon formulations in first line for high-risk disease. However, inadequate response, resistance, or intolerance to first-line cytoreductive therapies may warrant introduction of second-line treatments, such as ruxolitinib. In this review, I detail preferred treatment and patient management approaches following inadequate response to or intolerance of first-line treatment for PV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew T Kuykendall
- Department of Malignant Hematology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.
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Mora B, Passamonti F. SOHO State of the Art Updates and Next Questions | Polycythemia Vera: Is It Time to Rethink Treatment? CLINICAL LYMPHOMA, MYELOMA & LEUKEMIA 2023; 23:79-85. [PMID: 36566109 DOI: 10.1016/j.clml.2022.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Polycythemia vera (PV) is a Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by excessive myeloid cells production, mostly secondary to mutations in the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) gene. PV natural history might be burdened by thrombotic events (TEs) and evolution into post-PV myelofibrosis (PPV-MF) or blast phase (BP). To date, no treatment strategies have been shown to have disease modifying effects, so therapy is directed at preventing TEs. All patients require phlebotomies (PHLs) to keep hematocrit below 45% and once-daily low dose aspirin (if not contraindicated). Apart from patients at "high risk" because of age over 60 years or a thrombosis history, cytoreductive therapies (CT) should be given to patients with relevant signs of myeloproliferation or intolerance to PHLs. Approved choices both for first and second line CT are hydroxyurea (HU) and pegylated forms of interferon (peg-IFN), the latter probably being better for young patients, and subjects without critical and recent vascular events or massive splenomegaly. The JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib is the treatment of choice in case of resistance/intolerance to HU, with proved efficacy in terms of thrombotic prevention. Data are too preliminary to consider CT for "low risk" PV cases, but ropeg-IFN is being studied in this setting with a short follow-up. A careful monitoring for signs of evolution into PPV-MF is fundamental for optimizing patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Mora
- Department of Oncology, ASST Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy.
| | - Francesco Passamonti
- Department of Oncology, ASST Sette Laghi, Varese, Italy; Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
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Yuan Y, Jiao B, Qu L, Yang D, Liu R. The development of COVID-19 treatment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1125246. [PMID: 36776881 PMCID: PMC9909293 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1125246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused a pandemic named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that has become the greatest worldwide public health threat of this century. Recent studies have unraveled numerous mysteries of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and thus largely improved the studies of COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutic strategies. However, important questions remain regarding its therapy. In this review, the recent research advances on COVID-19 mechanism are quickly summarized. We mainly discuss current therapy strategies for COVID-19, with an emphasis on antiviral agents, neutralizing antibody therapies, Janus kinase inhibitors, and steroids. When necessary, specific mechanisms and the history of therapy are present, and representative strategies are described in detail. Finally, we discuss key outstanding questions regarding future directions of the development of COVID-19 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongliang Yuan
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Baihai Jiao
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Lili Qu
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Duomeng Yang
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, United States,*Correspondence: Ruijuan Liu, ; Duomeng Yang,
| | - Ruijuan Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China,*Correspondence: Ruijuan Liu, ; Duomeng Yang,
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Efficacy and safety of ruxolitinib in patients with newly-diagnosed polycythemia vera: futility analysis of the RuxoBEAT clinical trial of the GSG-MPN study group. Ann Hematol 2023; 102:349-358. [PMID: 36564535 PMCID: PMC9889492 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-022-05080-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Patients (pts) with polycythemia vera (PV) suffer from pruritus, night sweats, and other symptoms, as well as from thromboembolic complications and progression to post-PV myelofibrosis. Ruxolitinib (RUX) is approved for second-line therapy in high-risk PV pts with hydroxyurea intolerance or resistance. The RuxoBEAT trial (NCT02577926, registered on October 1, 2015, at clinicaltrials.gov) is a multicenter, open-label, two-arm phase-IIb trial with a target population of 380 pts with PV or ET, randomized to receive RUX or best available therapy. This pre-specified futility analysis assesses the early clinical benefit and tolerability of RUX in previously untreated PV pts (6-week cytoreduction was allowed). Twenty-eight patients were randomly assigned to receive RUX. Compared to baseline, after 6 months of treatment, there was a significant reduction of median hematocrit (46 to 41%), the median number of phlebotomies per year (4.0 to 0), and median patient-reported pruritus scores (2 to 1), and a trend for reduced night sweat scores (1.5 to 0). JAK2V617F allele burden, as part of the scientific research program, also significantly decreased. One hundred nine adverse events (AEs) occurred in 24/28 patients (all grade 1 to 3), and no pt permanently discontinued treatment because of AEs. Thus, treatment with ruxolitinib in untreated PV pts is feasible, well-tolerated, and efficient regarding the above-mentioned endpoints.
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Krecak I, Lucijanic M, Verstovsek S. Advances in Risk Stratification and Treatment of Polycythemia Vera and Essential Thrombocythemia. Curr Hematol Malig Rep 2022; 17:155-169. [PMID: 35932395 DOI: 10.1007/s11899-022-00670-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Estimating and modifying thrombotic risk is currently the mainstay of care for patients with polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET). In recent years, however, increased attention has shifted towards quality of life and disease modification. In this review, we discuss recent advances in risk stratification, present updated results for ruxolitinib and interferon randomized clinical trials, discuss new approaches in antiplatelet and anticoagulant treatment, and summarize early phase trials of novel agents and emerging therapeutic concepts for the treatment of PV and ET. RECENT FINDINGS International collaborations and novel technologies, i.e., next-generation sequencing and machine learning techniques, have demonstrated excellent abilities to improve thrombotic risk stratification in PV and ET. Updated results from ruxolitinib and interferon randomized clinical trials have confirmed excellent efficacy and safety of these agents, both as first- and second-line treatments. Early trials of novel agents (histone deacetylase inhibitors, telomerase inhibitors, lysine-specific demethylase-1 inhibitors, human double-minute 2 inhibitors, and hepcidin mimetics) have shown encouraging efficacy and safety in blood count control, reduction of splenomegaly, and alleviation of disease-related symptoms. Finally, accumulating evidence suggested that direct oral anticoagulants may be a valid therapeutic alternative to warfarin for prolonged thromboprophylaxis. International collaborations ("big data") with the help of new technologies represent an exciting new approach to analyze rare outcomes in rare diseases, especially for identifying novel prognostic biomarkers in PV and ET. Randomized clinical trials are also needed to fully elucidate whether novel agents may establish new standards of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Krecak
- Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital of Sibenik-Knin County, Stjepana Radića 83, 22000, Sibenik, Croatia. .,School of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia.
| | - Marko Lucijanic
- Division of Hematology, University Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb, Croatia.,School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Srdan Verstovsek
- Department of Leukemia, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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