Polycythemia Vera-Associated Complications: Pathogenesis, Clinical Manifestations, And Effects On Outcomes.

Polycythemia vera is a Philadelphia-negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm, characterized by erythrocytosis, which is unique, compared to essential thrombocytosis and primary myelofibrosis. Though longevity can usually be expected, vascular morbidity is associated with this condition, as well as a propensity to evolve into myelofibrosis (post-PV MF) and acute myeloid leukemia. In addition, patients can have a pronounced symptom burden.

Therapy-associated leukemic transformation in myeloproliferative neoplasms - What do we know?

Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs) are a group of progressive diseases that share a common pathogenesis, clinical and laboratory features, as well as a spontaneous risk of secondary AML. Certain MPN therapies have been associated with an increased risk of leukemic conversion, with robust data highlighting the highest rates with P, chlorambucil, and pipobroman. Herein, we review risk factors for leukemic transformation, including therapy-related MPN-BP, with a focus on the debate surrounding the potential leukemogenicity of hydroxyurea.

Novel therapeutic approaches in polycythemia vera.

Polycythemia vera (PV) is the most common Philadelphia chromosome-negative myeloproliferative neoplasm. Whereas low-risk patients are treated with aspirin and phlebotomy, high-risk patients receive cytoreductive therapy, which most commonly consists of hydroxyurea in the United States. Concerns about the long-term safety of hydroxyurea, as well as a desire for more efficacious and targeted therapy, have led to the development of novel therapies for high-risk patients with PV.

Splanchnic Vein Thrombosis in the Myeloproliferative Neoplasms.

Purpose Of Review: To review the epidemiology, diagnostic challenges, pathogenesis, and treatment strategies for patients with myeloproliferative neoplasm-associated splanchnic vein thrombosis.

Recent Findings: The epidemiology of myeloproliferative neoplasm-associated splanchnic vein thrombosis (MPN-SVT) has been well characterized. While typical MPN-associated thrombosis affects older patients and involves the arterial circulation, MPN-SVT mostly impacts younger women.

Contemporary Use of Interferon Therapy in the Myeloproliferative Neoplasms.

Purpose Of Review: The purpose of this article is to review the current evidence behind interferon therapy in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms.

Recent Findings: Preliminary analysis suggests that interferon may be non-inferior to hydroxyurea in patients with polycythemia vera and essential thrombocytosis. Responses have been observed regardless of JAK2 mutational status, but the presence of non-JAK2 somatic mutations may negatively influence response rates.