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Published on: August 5, 2022
New generation small-molecule inhibitors in myeloproliferative neoplasms
Francesco Passamonti1, Margherita Maffioli, Domenica Caramazza
1Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi, Varese, Italy. francesco.passamonti@ospedale.varese.it
Purpose Of Review:
Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are diseases that carry the JAK2 (V617F) mutation in about 70% of the patients. The purpose of this review is to describe the recent advances in the therapy of MPNs with JAK2 inhibitors.
Recent Findings:
Many drugs are now under investigations targeting different pathways critical for MPN development, such as the JAK-STAT (JAK2 inhibitors: INCB018424 or ruxolitinib, TG101348 or SAR302503, CYT387, SB1518, CEP701 and LY2784544) and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR (everolimus) pathways, or act through remodeling of chromatin with a key role in epigenetics (givinostat, panobinostat and vorinostat). The most relevant effects were spleen size reduction and relief of constitutional symptoms.
Summary:
Patients who might benefit from JAK2 inhibitors in clinical practice are mostly those with splenomegaly or with constitutional symptoms. We should alert patients with lower hemoglobin levels that these therapies might, although temporarily, favor the need for red blood cell transfusions.
Insights
Recent advances in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) therapy focus on JAK2 inhibitors. These treatments effectively reduce spleen size and constitutional symptoms in patients with MPNs carrying the JAK2 mutation.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are a group of diseases characterized by the JAK2 (V617F) mutation in approximately 70% of cases.
- Understanding the molecular pathways driving MPN development is crucial for therapeutic advancements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent therapeutic progress in MPNs, specifically focusing on the role and efficacy of JAK2 inhibitors.
- To highlight novel therapeutic strategies targeting key molecular pathways in MPN.
Main Methods:
- Review of current investigations into drugs targeting JAK-STAT, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, and epigenetic pathways.
- Analysis of clinical trial data and research findings on JAK2 inhibitors and other novel agents.
Main Results:
- Several JAK2 inhibitors (e.g., ruxolitinib, TG101348) and other targeted therapies (e.g., everolimus, givinostat) are under investigation.
- Significant improvements observed include reduction in spleen size and alleviation of constitutional symptoms in MPN patients.
Conclusions:
- JAK2 inhibitors are most beneficial for MPN patients with splenomegaly or constitutional symptoms.
- Patients with lower hemoglobin levels should be informed about the potential temporary increase in red blood cell transfusion needs with these therapies.
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