Dr. Cortes on the Utility of Ruxolitinib in MPNs

Jorge E. Cortes, MD, director of the Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University, discusses the utility of ruxolitinib (Jakafi) in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Ruxolitinib is highly effective for patients with myelofibrosis who have enlarged spleens or are symptomatic, says Cortes. However, the agent does not appear to affect the natural history of the disease.

In November 2011, ruxolitinib became the first drug to receive regulatory approval specifically for the treatment of patients with intermediate or high-risk myelofibrosis, including primary myelofibrosis, post-polycythemia vera (PV) myelofibrosis, and post-essential thrombocythemia myelofibrosis.

Additionally, in December 2014, the agent was FDA approved for the treatment of patients with PV who are resistant or intolerant to hydroxyurea, concludes Cortes.