-
Current Hematologic Malignancy Reports Dec 2017The purpose of the review was to provide a contemporary update of novel agents and targets under investigation in myelofibrosis in the Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor era. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
The purpose of the review was to provide a contemporary update of novel agents and targets under investigation in myelofibrosis in the Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor era.
RECENT FINDINGS
Myelofibrosis (MF) is a clonal stem cell disease characterized by marrow fibrosis and a heterogeneous disease phenotype with a variable degree of splenomegaly, cytopenias, and constitutional symptoms that significantly impact quality of life and survival. Overactive JAK/STAT signaling is a hallmark of MF. The only approved therapy for MF, JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib, can ameliorate splenomegaly, improve symptoms, and prolong survival in some patients. Therapeutic challenges remain, however. Myelosuppression limits the use of ruxolitinib in some patients, eventual drug resistance is common, and the underlying malignant clone persists despite therapy. A deeper understanding of the pathogenesis of MF has informed the development of additional agents. Promising targets under investigation include JAK1 and JAK2 and downstream intermediates in related signaling pathways, epigenetic modifiers, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and immune regulators.
Topics: Humans; Primary Myelofibrosis
PubMed: 29098608
DOI: 10.1007/s11899-017-0403-0 -
Blood Cancer Journal Jul 2018Two novel prognostic systems for primary myelofibrosis (PMF) were recently unveiled: GIPSS (genetically inspired prognostic scoring system) and MIPSS70... (Review)
Review
Two novel prognostic systems for primary myelofibrosis (PMF) were recently unveiled: GIPSS (genetically inspired prognostic scoring system) and MIPSS70 (mutation-enhanced international prognostic scoring system for transplant-age patients). GIPSS is based exclusively on genetic markers: mutations and karyotype. MIPSS70 includes mutations and clinical risk factors. In its most recent adaptation, the prognostic value of MIPSS70 has been bolstered by the inclusion of a three-tiered cytogenetic risk stratification and use of hemoglobin thresholds that are adjusted for sex and severity (MIPSS70+ version 2.0). GIPSS features four, MIPSS70 three, and MIPSS70+ version 2.0 five risk categories. MIPSS70 is most useful in the absence of cytogenetic information. MIPSS70+ version 2.0 is more comprehensive than MIPSS70 and is the preferred model in the presence of cytogenetic information. Both MIPSS70 and MIPSS70+ version 2.0 require an online score calculator ( http://www.mipss70score.it ). GIPPS offers a lower complexity prognostic tool that reliably identifies candidates for allogeneic stem cell transplant (GIPSS high-risk disease) or long-term observation with little or no therapeutic intervention (GIPSS low-risk disease). Ultimately, we favor a step-wise prognostication approach that starts with GIPSS but also considers MIPSS70+ version 2.0 for confirming the most appropriate treatment approach for the individual patient.
Topics: Algorithms; Disease Management; Humans; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Primary Myelofibrosis; Prognosis; Risk Factors
PubMed: 30065290
DOI: 10.1038/s41408-018-0109-0 -
Annals of Hematology Apr 2023Myelofibrosis (MF) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by mutations (most frequently in JAK2, CALR, or MPL), burdensome symptoms, splenomegaly, cytopenia, and... (Review)
Review
Myelofibrosis (MF) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by mutations (most frequently in JAK2, CALR, or MPL), burdensome symptoms, splenomegaly, cytopenia, and shortened life expectancy. In addition to other clinical manifestations, patients with MF often develop anemia, which can either be directly related to MF pathogenesis or a result of MF treatment with Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, such as ruxolitinib and fedratinib. Although symptoms and clinical manifestations can be similar between the 2 anemia types, only MF-related anemia is prognostic of reduced survival. In this review, I detail treatment and patient management approaches for both types of anemia presentations and provide recommendations for the treatment of MF in the presence of anemia.
Topics: Humans; Primary Myelofibrosis; Janus Kinase 2; Splenomegaly; Nitriles; Anemia; Pyrrolidines; Sulfonamides
PubMed: 36786879
DOI: 10.1007/s00277-023-05126-4 -
Clinical Lymphoma, Myeloma & Leukemia Sep 2020Splenomegaly, which may range from a few centimeters below the left costal border to massive dimensions, is one of the most characteristic features in patients with... (Review)
Review
Splenomegaly, which may range from a few centimeters below the left costal border to massive dimensions, is one of the most characteristic features in patients with advanced myelofibrosis (MF). Splenectomy may offer an effective therapeutic option for treating massive splenomegaly in patients with MF, and especially in cases of disease refractory to conventional drugs, but it is associated with a number of complications as well as substantial morbidity and mortality. Whether splenectomy should be performed before allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation is also controversial, and there is a lack of prospective randomized clinical trials that assess the role of splenectomy before hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation in patients with MF. Although splenectomy is not routinely performed before transplantation, it may be appropriate in patients with massive splenomegaly and related symptoms, so long as the higher risk of graft failure in such cases is taken into account. This review aims to describe the efficacy, indications, and complications of splenectomy in patients with MF; and to evaluate the long-term impact of splenectomy on patient survival and risk of disease transformation.
Topics: Female; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; Humans; Male; Primary Myelofibrosis; Splenectomy; Transplantation Conditioning; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32482540
DOI: 10.1016/j.clml.2020.04.015 -
British Journal of Haematology Oct 2018The 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) classification for myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) divided myelofibrosis (MF) into pre-fibrotic (pre-MF) and overt-MF... (Review)
Review
The 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) classification for myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) divided myelofibrosis (MF) into pre-fibrotic (pre-MF) and overt-MF categories. This new classification, particularly the entity pre-MF, has been a subject of discussion between experts. Important questions have been raised in recent years, such as the need for bone marrow trephine for diagnosis; how this is interpreted and the weighting given to it in assigning a diagnosis; determination of prognosis for pre-MF patients; including which scoring system to use and, ultimately, an evidence-based management plan for this group of patients. Many pre-MF patients present as young adults, with thrombocytosis, elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels and increased bone marrow fibrosis (i.e. ≥ grade 1). Current management strategies differ in view of age, comorbidities and bone marrow features and the opinion of the managing clinicians. Prognostic scoring systems have some limitations regarding this entity, and at the present time there is limited information about the overall survival and incidence of progression to overt-MF and acute leukaemia for pre-MF. In this clinically focussed article, we review the main characteristics of this new disease category in view of the current published literature and illustrate our discussion with some real patient cases. Lastly, we propose a management strategy for patients to whom this diagnostic label is applied.
Topics: Disease Management; Fibrosis; Humans; Myeloproliferative Disorders; Primary Myelofibrosis; Prognosis; World Health Organization
PubMed: 30328618
DOI: 10.1111/bjh.15562 -
International Journal of Molecular... Dec 2023Myelofibrosis (MF), Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), and MDS/MPN overlap syndromes have a broad range of clinical presentations and molecular abnormalities, making... (Review)
Review
Myelofibrosis (MF), Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), and MDS/MPN overlap syndromes have a broad range of clinical presentations and molecular abnormalities, making their diagnosis and classification complex. This paper reviews molecular aberration, epigenetic modifications, chromosomal anomalies, and their interactions with cellular and other immune mechanisms in the manifestations of these disease spectra, clinical features, classification, and treatment modalities. The advent of new-generation sequencing has broadened the understanding of the genetic factors involved. However, while great strides have been made in the pharmacological treatment of these diseases, treatment of advanced disease remains hematopoietic stem cell transplant.
Topics: Humans; Myeloproliferative Disorders; Primary Myelofibrosis; Chromosome Aberrations; Neoplasms; Mutation
PubMed: 38139212
DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417383 -
Journal of Clinical and Experimental... 2018In 2017, the revised World Health Organization was published. Regarding myeloproliferative neoplasms, histological findings of bone marrow biopsy is becoming more... (Review)
Review
In 2017, the revised World Health Organization was published. Regarding myeloproliferative neoplasms, histological findings of bone marrow biopsy is becoming more important for diagnosis. This article highlights particularly the morphology of megakaryocytes and evaluation of myelofibrosis for pathological diagnosis, and immunohistochemistry which can detect somatic mutation.
Topics: Biopsy; Bone Marrow; Histological Techniques; Humans; Megakaryocytes; Primary Myelofibrosis
PubMed: 29998975
DOI: 10.3960/jslrt.18006 -
Haematologica May 2021Activation of JAK-STAT signaling is one of the hallmarks of myelofibrosis, a myeloproliferative neoplasm that leads to inflammation, progressive bone marrow failure, and... (Review)
Review
Activation of JAK-STAT signaling is one of the hallmarks of myelofibrosis, a myeloproliferative neoplasm that leads to inflammation, progressive bone marrow failure, and a risk of leukemic transformation. Around 90% of patients with myelofibrosis have a mutation in JAK2, MPL, or CALR: so-called 'driver' mutations that lead to activation of JAK2. Ruxolitinib, and other JAK2 inhibitors in clinical use, provide clinical benefit but do not have a major impact on the abnormal hematopoietic clone. This phenomenon is termed 'persistence', in contrast to usual patterns of resistance. Multiple groups have shown that type 1 inhibitors of JAK2, which bind the active conformation of the enzyme, lead to JAK2 becoming resistant to degradation with consequent accumulation of phospho-JAK2. In turn, this can lead to exacerbation of inflammatory manifestations when the JAK inhibitor is discontinued, and it may also contribute to disease persistence. The ways in which JAK2 V617F and CALR mutations lead to activation of JAK-STAT signaling are incompletely understood. We summarize what is known about pathological JAK-STAT activation in myelofibrosis and how this might lead to future novel therapies for myelofibrosis with greater disease-modifying potential.
Topics: Biology; Humans; Janus Kinase 2; Mutation; Myeloproliferative Disorders; Nitriles; Primary Myelofibrosis; Pyrazoles; Pyrimidines
PubMed: 33472356
DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2020.262691 -
Current Hematologic Malignancy Reports Oct 2022Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) include polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), prefibrotic (pre-), and overt-primary... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) include polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), prefibrotic (pre-), and overt-primary myelofibrosis (primary MF, PMF). PV and ET could evolve into secondary MF (SMF), whose early diagnosis relies on monitoring signs of possible progression. All MPNs have a risk of blast phase (BP), that is associated with a very dismal outcome. Overall survival (OS) is different among MPNs, and disease-specific prognostic scores should be applied for a correct clinical management. In this review, an overview of current prognostic scores in MPNs will be provided.
RECENT FINDINGS
The biological complexity of MPNs and its role on the trajectory of disease outcome have led to the design of integrated prognostic models that are nowadays of common use in PMF patients. As for PV and ET, splicing gene mutations could have a detrimental role, but with the limit of the not routinary recommended application of extensive molecular analysis in these diseases. SMF is recognized as a distinct entity compared to PMF, and OS estimates should be calculated by the MYSEC-PM (Myelofibrosis SECondary-prognostic model). Both in PMF and SMF, decisions as selection of patients potentially candidates to allogenic stem cell transplant or that could benefit from an early shift from standard treatment are based not only on conventional prognostic scores, but also on multivariable algorithms. The expanding landscape of risk prediction for OS, evolution to BP, and SMF progression from PV/ET informs personalized approach to the management of patients affected by MPNs.
Topics: Humans; Myeloproliferative Disorders; Polycythemia Vera; Primary Myelofibrosis; Prognosis; Thrombocythemia, Essential
PubMed: 36048275
DOI: 10.1007/s11899-022-00672-6 -
Future Oncology (London, England) 2015The JAK1 and JAK2 inhibitor ruxolitinib has approved indications in myelofibrosis, a BCR-AB1-negative myeloproliferative neoplasm associated with progressive bone marrow... (Review)
Review
The JAK1 and JAK2 inhibitor ruxolitinib has approved indications in myelofibrosis, a BCR-AB1-negative myeloproliferative neoplasm associated with progressive bone marrow fibrosis and shortened survival. In Phase III clinical studies, ruxolitinib provided rapid and durable improvement of myelofibrosis-related splenomegaly and symptoms irrespective of mutation status, and was associated with a survival advantage compared with placebo or best available therapy. Because of dose-dependent cytopenias, blood count monitoring and dose titration are important to optimize therapy. Specific precautions apply to the treatment of patients with or at risk of serious infections. Discontinuation of ruxolitinib generally leads to symptom return within 1 week. Ruxolitinib also is approved for treatment of patients with polycythemia vera who have had an inadequate response to or are intolerant of hydroxyurea.
Topics: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Clinical Trials as Topic; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Humans; Janus Kinases; Nitriles; Primary Myelofibrosis; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Pyrazoles; Pyrimidines; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 25757677
DOI: 10.2217/fon.14.272