ASH 2016 | MPD-RC 112 trial of pegylated interferon alpha-2a for polycythemia vera & essential thrombocythemia

John Mascarenhas, MD from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, provides an overview of the interim analysis of the Myeloproliferative Disorders Research Consortium (MPD-RC) 112 Phase III trial of frontline pegylated interferon alpha-2a versus hydroxyurea in high-risk polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET) (NCT01258856). Dr Mascarenhas explains that at present, hydroxyurea is probably the most commonly used first-line agent in the US and Europe. There is a growing appreciation for the use of pegylated interferon alpha-2a (sold under the brand name Pegasys). One of the reasons is that biologically it does appear to impact the hematopoietic stem cell in a way that hydroxyurea is not believed to. The interim analysis of the trial presented at ASH 2016 is based on the first 75 patients enrolled onto the study, who have had an opportunity to complete one year of therapy. The primary endpoint of the study is complete response (CR). The analysis will provide some insight on whether there is futility or efficacy seen at this point in time that would then suggest to either close or continue the study. Recorded at the 2016 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting, held in San Diego, CA.