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Polycythemia vera-associated pruritus and its management
Kamal S Saini1, Mrinal M Patnaik, Ayalew Tefferi
1Department of Medical Oncology, Institute Jules Bordet, Brussels, Belgium.
European Journal of Clinical Investigation
|July 6, 2010
Summary
Polycythemia vera (PV) causes aquagenic pruritus in many patients. Targeted therapies like JAK2 and mTOR inhibitors offer new hope for managing this debilitating symptom.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Dermatology
- Clinical Pharmacology
Background:
- Pruritus affects approximately 40% of polycythemia vera (PV) patients.
- Aquagenic pruritus, triggered by water, is a characteristic symptom.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review treatments for PV-associated pruritus.
- To highlight recent advances in targeted therapies.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive MEDLINE search of English language articles.
- Included studies from 1965 to the present.
Main Results:
- Various treatments (antihistamines, interferon, phlebotomy, etc.) show mixed efficacy.
- JAK2 and mTOR inhibitors demonstrate significant clinical benefit.
Conclusions:
- PV-associated pruritus significantly impacts patient quality of life.
- Serotonin reuptake inhibitors offer some relief.
- Cytoreductive therapy is for refractory cases.
- Targeted JAK2 and mTOR inhibition provides promising therapeutic options.
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