SOHO 2021 | Novel drugs and treatment strategies for myelofibrosis

Francesco Passamonti, MD, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy, discusses the key current themes in the treatment of myelofibrosis. The JAK-2 inhibitors ruxolitinib and fedratinib have recently been approved for the treatment of myelofibrosis. Others, such as pacritinib and momelotinib, are currently in development. Prof. Passamonti reports that pacritinib may be effective in patients with very low platelet counts, whereas momelotinib may improve anemia. Second-line combination treatment strategies are also being investigated. Ruxolitinib and navitoclax have been associated with response rates of around 30% in patients with myelofibrosis. Moreover, the MANIFEST study (NCT02158858) is evaluating the activity of ruxolitinib and pelabresib in myelofibrosis. Overall, the field of myelofibrosis is experiencing a growth in terms of treatment options and strategies. Prof. Passamonti predicts that clinical outcomes for patients with myelofibrosis will improve over the next two years. This interview took place during the ninth annual meeting of the Society of Hematologic Oncology (SOHO 2021) congress.