Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Polycythemia vera (PSV), essential thrombocytosis (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF) are BCR/ABL negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (CMPNs). As a result of abnormal clonal proliferation of hematopoietic cells, these disorders have a higher risk of thrombosis, bleeding, leukemic transformation, and worsening in quality of life. While stem cell transplantation is the sole curative option for CMPNs, symptomatic therapies gain importance. The purpose of this study is to assess the results of patients with CMPNs treated with ruxolitinib at our center.

METHODS

The data from eighteen patients (six patients with PSV and twelve patients with PMF) who were treated with ruxolitinib at our center between January 2013 and January 2022 were analyzed in this retrospective cohort study.

RESULTS

Six PSV patients who received ruxolitinib were included in the study. Three patients with splenomegaly previous to ruxolitinib, had a response of spleen volume, median of 6 months. There were no hematological or non-hematological adverse effects, thrombolytic or cardiovascular complications, or leukemic transformation throughout a median of 6 (range 2-52) months of ruxolitinib treatment. Twelve patients with PMF used ruxolitinib were included in the study. Spleen volume response was observed in six patients (50%) at a median follow-up of 12 months, while symptomatic response was observed in nine patients (75%) during a median of 15.5 months of ruxolitinib treatment. Any thrombolytic or cardiovascular complications were observed.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Ruxolitinib is an appropriate and safe treatment option for patients who are not candidates for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.