Vnitr Lek 2018, 64(10):955-960 | DOI: 10.36290/vnl.2018.133

Treatment of polycythemia vera

Petr Dulíček

IV. interní hematologická klinika LF UK a FN Hradec Králové

Polycythemia vera is a chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by hematopoietic stem cell-derived clonal myeloproliferation resulting in erythrocytosis, leukocytosis and thrombocytosis. Survival is reduced compared with general population. Main reasons of death include thrombohemorrhagic complications, fibrotic progression and leukaemic transformation. Presence of Janus kinase (JAK2) gene mutations is a diagnostic marker and standard diagnostic criterion. World Health Organization 2016 diagnostic criteria focusing on hemoglobin levels, hematocrit, red cell mass and bone marrow morphology are mandatory. Therapeutic approach depends on stratification of patients according age and personal risk of thrombosis. Low-risk patients are treated first line with low-dose aspirin and phlebotomy. Cytoreduction is indicated in high-risk patients. Interferon-α has demonstrated efficacy in many clinical trials. Its pegylated form is well tolerated, enabling less frequent administration than standard interferon. Therefore it is therapy of choice based on Central European Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Organisation recommendation. Ropeginterferon α-2b has been shown to be more efficacious than hydroxyurea. Hydroxyurea is suspected of leukemogenic potential. JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor ruxolitinib is approved for hydroxyurea resistant/intolerant patients.

Keywords: diagnosis; polycythemia vera; therapy

Received: October 1, 2018; Accepted: October 4, 2018; Published: October 1, 2018  Show citation