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MEDTECH Polycythemia vera often leads to thrombosis, hemorrhage, transformation to myelofibrosis, and early death.
A new study titled “MAJIC-PV”, led by Dr. Claire Harrison, reveals that the drug ruxolitinib could offer superior outcomes in patients suffering from polycythemia vera (PV), a rare form of blood cancer. This research brings to light the potential of ruxolitinib in extending event-free survival, overall survival, and molecular response among patients intolerant to hydroxycarbamide, a standard treatment for PV.
Key Points:
- The phase 2 MAJIC-PV trial results demonstrate that ruxolitinib outperforms the best available therapy in patients intolerant to hydroxycarbamide suffering from polycythemia vera (PV).
- Ruxolitinib treatment showed enhanced event-free survival, complete response, molecular response, and overall durable responses.
- The study suggests that molecular response (the reduction of JAK2 variant allele frequency by 50%) is tied to event-free survival, progression-free survival, and overall survival.
Additional Points:
- Patients treated with ruxolitinib had superior thrombosis-free survival and time to discontinuation of treatment.
- Controlling all parameters of the blood count, regardless of the therapy, was associated with event-free survival.
- Additional driver mutations, particularly SXR1 mutations, correlated with worse event-free survival and decreased likelihood of achieving a molecular response.
- No new safety concerns were associated with ruxolitinib, a fact important for practitioners considering the treatment for their patients.
Conclusion:
- The MAJIC-PV study affirms the effectiveness of ruxolitinib in managing PV, particularly for hydroxycarbamide-intolerant patients, with improved event-free and overall survival rates. The findings also underscore the importance of controlling blood count parameters and monitoring the JAK2 variant allele frequency as novel methods of managing disease progression.
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“In summary, this study confirms that it is necessary to do long-term studies in chronic diseases, which isn’t a surprise. We have led by analyzing these results to several important insights in the field.”
Claire Harrison, MD
Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
London, United Kingdom
