Dr. Mesa on Upcoming Updates to NCCN Guideline for MPNs

Ruben A. Mesa, MD, chair of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, discusses updates that are expected in 2017 to the NCCN Guideline for Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs).

The NCCN Guidelines for Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (version 1.2017), which include treatment algorithms for myelofibrosis care, are based on several scoring systems for evaluating patient risk, including the International Prognostic Scoring System, the Dynamic International Prognostic Scoring System (DIPSS), and the DIPSS-Plus.

Since this guideline involved researchers covering a lot of ground, Mesa says that anticipated next steps will include recommended treatment approaches for essential thrombocytopenia and polycythemia vera. Subsequently, there will be guidelines for the lesser common MPNs, which include hypereosinophilic syndrome and systemic mast cell disease. Additionally, the myelofibrosis guidelines will be routinely updated.

This is because there are a number of novel agents that are in the pipeline and, if approved by the FDA, could reform the treatment paradigm for this disease once again. Experts in the field will need to determine where these agents will best fit in patients, Mayo adds.