Thrombocytopenia in patients with myelofibrosis: management options in the era of JAK inhibitor therapy

• Published in: Leukemia & lymphoma Vol. 61; no. 7; pp. 1535 - 1547
• Main Authors: Benevolo, Giulia, Elli, Elena M., Guglielmelli, Paola, Ricco, Alessandra, Maffioli, Margherita
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Taylor & Francis 06.06.2020
• Subjects: Humans; JAK inhibitors; Janus Kinase Inhibitors - adverse effects; Janus Kinase Inhibitors - therapeutic use; Myelofibrosis; Primary Myelofibrosis - drug therapy; Prognosis; Pyrazoles - therapeutic use; ruxolitinib; thrombocytopenia; Thrombocytopenia - chemically induced; Myelofibrosis; ruxolitinib; thrombocytopenia; prognosis; JAK inhibitors
• ISSN: 1042-8194; 1029-2403; 1029-2403
• DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2020.1728752

Myelofibrosis (MF), either appearing de novo (primary MF, PMF) or after a previous diagnosis of essential thrombocythemia or of polycythemia vera, is a progressive disease burdened by symptomatic splenomegaly, debilitating systemic symptoms, ineffective hematopoiesis, and overall reduced survival. Patients often present worsening cytopenias, including thrombocytopenia, secondary to progression of the disease as well as to cytoreductive treatment. Patients with MF and thrombocytopenia have few therapeutic options and there is limited information regarding the management of disease in these settings. This article reviews current evidence for the management of patients with MF and thrombocytopenia, in the era of JAK inhibitors.