Dr. Mesa on Recent Data With Momelotinib in MPNs and Myelofibrosis

Ruben A. Mesa, MD, director of the Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, discusses recent data with momelotinib in myelofibrosis.

In myelofibrosis, there are currently agents such as ruxolitinib (Jakafi) and fedratinib (Inrebic), both of which have been approved in the frontline setting; fedratinib also has good data in the second-line setting, says Mesa. These agents can improve splenomegaly symptoms and are likely have an impact on survival, yet there are still unmet gaps with these agents in the field. There are some important potential differentiators with the JAK inhibitors that are still in development, adds Mesa.

Momelotinib, for example, has been shown to potentially improve anemia and splenomegaly symptoms. Data suggest that activity with momelotinib inhibits hepcidin, which may create a state of anemia, chronic disease, and inflammation. Hepcidin inhibition might be a reason why patients on momelotinib are seeing improvements in anemia. There are further studies ongoing looking at momelotinib as a second-line therapy versus danazol (Danocrine) as a control in terms of improving anemia and splenomegaly symptoms in patients with myelofibrosis, concludes Mesa.