Prof Claire Harrison (Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK) discusses highlights on myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) from the 2014 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting.
A molecular-based approach in MPN studies, which has improved understanding of driver mutations, has rapidly increased recent advances in clinical management. Combinational therapies are in preliminary stages and focus is on the Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, ruxolitinib, in combinations that enhance overall patient response. Long-term studies, such as the Evaluation of Xagrid Efficacy and Long-term Safety (EXELS) study, are providing insight in high-risk patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET). Quality of life in MPN patients is also addressed.