Dr. Bradley on the Utility of Ruxolitinib in Myelofibrosis and Polycythemia Vera

Terrence J. Bradley, MD, assistant professor, Department of Medicine, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Health System, discusses the utility of ruxolitinib (Jakafi) in myelofibrosis and polycythemia vera.

Ruxolitinib is the main treatment option in myelofibrosis and polycythemia vera. The agent received FDA approval for use in these patient populations based on data from the phase 3 COMFORT-II and RESPONSE trials, respectively, says Bradley. In myelofibrosis, the agent demonstrated improved overall survival (OS) versus both placebo and best available therapy at the 5-year mark. Ruxolitinib is also very effective as a second-line treament for patients with polycythemia vera; it has shown to have a very good response as far as reduction in spleen volume.

The OS in the studies might be underappreciated because crossover was permitted if patients were not responding on placebo or best available therapy; these patients were allowed to cross over to the study agent, explains Bradley. That which may narrow the gap in both progression-free survival and OS at these time points further out, concludes Bradley.