Polycythemia vera medical therapy: Difference between revisions

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{{Polycythemia vera}}
{{Polycythemia vera}}
{{CMG}} {{AE}} {{MJK}} {{shyam}}
{{CMG}} {{AE}} {{IO}} {{MJK}} {{shyam}}
==Overview==
==Overview==
The mainstay of therapy for polycythemia vera is [[phlebotomy]], aspirin, [[hydroxyurea]] (alone or with phlebotomy), [[interferon-alpha]] and pegylated interferon-alpha, [[chlorambucil]]. Some of these medications are targeted agents that work specifically in polycythemia vera, while others are non-specific therapies that can have numerous off-target adverse effects. Some of these treatments can modify the course of the disease, while others simply alleviate symptom burden.
The mainstay of therapy for polycythemia vera is [[phlebotomy]], [[aspirin]], [[hydroxyurea]] (alone or with [[phlebotomy]]), [[interferon-alpha]] and pegylated [[interferon-alpha]], [[chlorambucil]]. Some of these medications are targeted agents that work specifically in polycythemia vera, while others are non-specific therapies that can have numerous off-target adverse effects. Some of these treatments can modify the course of the disease, while others simply alleviate symptom burden.


==Medical Therapy==
==Medical Therapy==
Medical therapy for polycythemia vera include:<ref name="cancergov">National Cancer Institute. Physician Data Query Database 2015.http://www.cancer.gov/types/myeloproliferative/hp/chronic-treatment-pdq#section/_5</ref><ref name="pmid3704665">{{cite journal| author=Berk PD, Goldberg JD, Donovan PB, Fruchtman SM, Berlin NI, Wasserman LR| title=Therapeutic recommendations in polycythemia vera based on Polycythemia Vera Study Group protocols. | journal=Semin Hematol | year= 1986 | volume= 23 | issue= 2 | pages= 132-43 | pmid=3704665 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=3704665  }} </ref><ref name="pmid9209196">{{cite journal| author=Lamy T, Devillers A, Bernard M, Moisan A, Grulois I, Drenou B et al.| title=Inapparent polycythemia vera: an unrecognized diagnosis. | journal=Am J Med | year= 1997 | volume= 102 | issue= 1 | pages= 14-20 | pmid=9209196 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=9209196  }} </ref><ref name="pmid3749925">{{cite journal| author=Kaplan ME, Mack K, Goldberg JD, Donovan PB, Berk PD, Wasserman LR| title=Long-term management of polycythemia vera with hydroxyurea: a progress report. | journal=Semin Hematol | year= 1986 | volume= 23 | issue= 3 | pages= 167-71 | pmid=3749925 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=3749925  }} </ref><ref name="pmid10803930">{{cite journal| author=Lengfelder E, Berger U, Hehlmann R| title=Interferon alpha in the treatment of polycythemia vera. | journal=Ann Hematol | year= 2000 | volume= 79 | issue= 3 | pages= 103-9 | pmid=10803930 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=10803930  }} </ref><ref name="pmid16804923">{{cite journal| author=Silver RT| title=Long-term effects of the treatment of polycythemia vera with recombinant interferon-alpha. | journal=Cancer | year= 2006 | volume= 107 | issue= 3 | pages= 451-8 | pmid=16804923 | doi=10.1002/cncr.22026 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=16804923  }} </ref><ref name="pmid25069759">{{cite journal| author=Huang BT, Zeng QC, Zhao WH, Li BS, Chen RL| title=Interferon α-2b gains high sustained response therapy for advanced essential thrombocythemia and polycythemia vera with JAK2V617F positive mutation. | journal=Leuk Res | year= 2014 | volume= 38 | issue= 10 | pages= 1177-83 | pmid=25069759 | doi=10.1016/j.leukres.2014.06.019 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=25069759  }} </ref><ref name="pmid19826111">{{cite journal| author=Quintás-Cardama A, Kantarjian H, Manshouri T, Luthra R, Estrov Z, Pierce S et al.| title=Pegylated interferon alfa-2a yields high rates of hematologic and molecular response in patients with advanced essential thrombocythemia and polycythemia vera. | journal=J Clin Oncol | year= 2009 | volume= 27 | issue= 32 | pages= 5418-24 | pmid=19826111 | doi=10.1200/JCO.2009.23.6075 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=19826111  }} </ref><ref name="pmid23782935">{{cite journal| author=Quintás-Cardama A, Abdel-Wahab O, Manshouri T, Kilpivaara O, Cortes J, Roupie AL et al.| title=Molecular analysis of patients with polycythemia vera or essential thrombocythemia receiving pegylated interferon α-2a. | journal=Blood | year= 2013 | volume= 122 | issue= 6 | pages= 893-901 | pmid=23782935 | doi=10.1182/blood-2012-07-442012 | pmc=PMC3739035 | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=23782935  }} </ref><ref name="pmid17264301">{{cite journal| author=Finazzi G, Barbui T| title=How I treat patients with polycythemia vera. | journal=Blood | year= 2007 | volume= 109 | issue= 12 | pages= 5104-11 | pmid=17264301 | doi=10.1182/blood-2006-12-038968 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=17264301  }} </ref><ref name="pmid23633335">{{cite journal| author=Squizzato A, Romualdi E, Passamonti F, Middeldorp S| title=Antiplatelet drugs for polycythaemia vera and essential thrombocythaemia. | journal=Cochrane Database Syst Rev | year= 2013 | volume= 4 | issue=  | pages= CD006503 | pmid=23633335 | doi=10.1002/14651858.CD006503.pub3 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=23633335  }} </ref>
Medical therapy for polycythemia vera include:<ref name="pmid3704665">{{cite journal| author=Berk PD, Goldberg JD, Donovan PB, Fruchtman SM, Berlin NI, Wasserman LR| title=Therapeutic recommendations in polycythemia vera based on Polycythemia Vera Study Group protocols. | journal=Semin Hematol | year= 1986 | volume= 23 | issue= 2 | pages= 132-43 | pmid=3704665 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=3704665  }} </ref><ref name="pmid9209196">{{cite journal| author=Lamy T, Devillers A, Bernard M, Moisan A, Grulois I, Drenou B et al.| title=Inapparent polycythemia vera: an unrecognized diagnosis. | journal=Am J Med | year= 1997 | volume= 102 | issue= 1 | pages= 14-20 | pmid=9209196 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=9209196  }} </ref><ref name="pmid3749925">{{cite journal| author=Kaplan ME, Mack K, Goldberg JD, Donovan PB, Berk PD, Wasserman LR| title=Long-term management of polycythemia vera with hydroxyurea: a progress report. | journal=Semin Hematol | year= 1986 | volume= 23 | issue= 3 | pages= 167-71 | pmid=3749925 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=3749925  }} </ref><ref name="pmid10803930">{{cite journal| author=Lengfelder E, Berger U, Hehlmann R| title=Interferon alpha in the treatment of polycythemia vera. | journal=Ann Hematol | year= 2000 | volume= 79 | issue= 3 | pages= 103-9 | pmid=10803930 | doi= | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=10803930  }} </ref><ref name="pmid16804923">{{cite journal| author=Silver RT| title=Long-term effects of the treatment of polycythemia vera with recombinant interferon-alpha. | journal=Cancer | year= 2006 | volume= 107 | issue= 3 | pages= 451-8 | pmid=16804923 | doi=10.1002/cncr.22026 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=16804923  }} </ref><ref name="pmid25069759">{{cite journal| author=Huang BT, Zeng QC, Zhao WH, Li BS, Chen RL| title=Interferon α-2b gains high sustained response therapy for advanced essential thrombocythemia and polycythemia vera with JAK2V617F positive mutation. | journal=Leuk Res | year= 2014 | volume= 38 | issue= 10 | pages= 1177-83 | pmid=25069759 | doi=10.1016/j.leukres.2014.06.019 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=25069759  }} </ref><ref name="pmid19826111">{{cite journal| author=Quintás-Cardama A, Kantarjian H, Manshouri T, Luthra R, Estrov Z, Pierce S et al.| title=Pegylated interferon alfa-2a yields high rates of hematologic and molecular response in patients with advanced essential thrombocythemia and polycythemia vera. | journal=J Clin Oncol | year= 2009 | volume= 27 | issue= 32 | pages= 5418-24 | pmid=19826111 | doi=10.1200/JCO.2009.23.6075 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=19826111  }} </ref><ref name="pmid23782935">{{cite journal| author=Quintás-Cardama A, Abdel-Wahab O, Manshouri T, Kilpivaara O, Cortes J, Roupie AL et al.| title=Molecular analysis of patients with polycythemia vera or essential thrombocythemia receiving pegylated interferon α-2a. | journal=Blood | year= 2013 | volume= 122 | issue= 6 | pages= 893-901 | pmid=23782935 | doi=10.1182/blood-2012-07-442012 | pmc=PMC3739035 | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=23782935  }} </ref><ref name="pmid17264301">{{cite journal| author=Finazzi G, Barbui T| title=How I treat patients with polycythemia vera. | journal=Blood | year= 2007 | volume= 109 | issue= 12 | pages= 5104-11 | pmid=17264301 | doi=10.1182/blood-2006-12-038968 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=17264301  }} </ref><ref name="pmid23633335">{{cite journal| author=Squizzato A, Romualdi E, Passamonti F, Middeldorp S| title=Antiplatelet drugs for polycythaemia vera and essential thrombocythaemia. | journal=Cochrane Database Syst Rev | year= 2013 | volume= 4 | issue=  | pages= CD006503 | pmid=23633335 | doi=10.1002/14651858.CD006503.pub3 | pmc= | url=http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=23633335  }} </ref><ref name="pmid14711910">{{cite journal |vauthors=Landolfi R, Marchioli R, Kutti J, Gisslinger H, Tognoni G, Patrono C, Barbui T |title=Efficacy and safety of low-dose aspirin in polycythemia vera |journal=N. Engl. J. Med. |volume=350 |issue=2 |pages=114–24 |date=January 2004 |pmid=14711910 |doi=10.1056/NEJMoa035572 |url=}}</ref><ref name="pmid27884974">{{cite journal| author=Vannucchi AM| title=From leeches to personalized medicine: evolving concepts in the management of polycythemia vera. | journal=Haematologica | year= 2017 | volume= 102 | issue= 1 | pages= 18-29 | pmid=27884974 | doi=10.3324/haematol.2015.129155 | pmc=5210229 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=27884974  }} </ref>
*'''[[Phlebotomy]]''': [[Phlebotomy]] is a therapeutic cytoreductive procedure that involves withdrawal of blood from a patient's body with the goal of reducing [[red blood cell]] mass and hemoglobin. The goal hematocrit is less than 45%. In practice, this goal is not commonly achieved, and most clinicians target a goal of 50%.<ref name="pmid27884974">{{cite journal| author=Vannucchi AM| title=From leeches to personalized medicine: evolving concepts in the management of polycythemia vera. | journal=Haematologica | year= 2017 | volume= 102 | issue= 1 | pages= 18-29 | pmid=27884974 | doi=10.3324/haematol.2015.129155 | pmc=5210229 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=27884974  }} </ref> Patients with a hematocrit higher than 45% have a 4-fold increased risk for thrombosis.<ref name="pmid27884974">{{cite journal| author=Vannucchi AM| title=From leeches to personalized medicine: evolving concepts in the management of polycythemia vera. | journal=Haematologica | year= 2017 | volume= 102 | issue= 1 | pages= 18-29 | pmid=27884974 | doi=10.3324/haematol.2015.129155 | pmc=5210229 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=27884974  }} </ref> In some cases, a hematocrit goal of 42% can be targeted, such as in female patients.<ref name="pmid27884974">{{cite journal| author=Vannucchi AM| title=From leeches to personalized medicine: evolving concepts in the management of polycythemia vera. | journal=Haematologica | year= 2017 | volume= 102 | issue= 1 | pages= 18-29 | pmid=27884974 | doi=10.3324/haematol.2015.129155 | pmc=5210229 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=27884974 }} </ref> Phlebotomy alone can be used for low-risk patients, defined as those under age 60 with no thrombosis history.
*'''[[Aspirin]]'''
**''Adverse effects'': [[Phlebotomy]] can cause iron deficiency and pain at the insertion site. Iron deficiency can result in fatigue.
**It is an irreversible inhibitor of cyclo-oxygenase (prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase) and so inhibits the formation of [[thromboxane A2]] (a prothrombotic molecule).
*'''[[Aspirin]]''': Aspirin is an irreversible inhibitor of cyclo-oxygenase (prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase) and thus inhibits for the formation of the prothrombotic molecule [[thromboxane A2]]. Low-dose aspirin of 81mg has been shown to help prevent thrombosis in patients with polycythemia vera.
**Low-dose [[aspirin]] of 81mg has been shown to help prevent [[thrombosis]] in patients with polycythemia vera. The combined risk of nonfatal [[myocardial infarction]], nonfatal [[stroke]], [[pulmonary embolism]], major [[venous thrombosis]], or death from [[cardiovascular]] causes has been shown to be reduced by [[aspirin]].
**''Adverse effects'': Aspirin can cause increased bleeding risk and possibly hemorrhage.
 
*'''[[Hydroxyurea]]''': Hydroxyurea is a cytoreductive agent that inhibits ribonucleotide reductase, which is essential is nucleic acid metabolism. By inhibiting ribonucleotide reductase in hematopoietic cells, hydroxyurea results in decreased stem cell proliferation and decreased [[red blood cell]] mass. Hydroxyurea should be given to patients who are considered high-risk, such as those above age 60 and/or with thrombosis history.
*'''[[Hydroxyurea]]'''
**''Adverse effects'': Hydroxyurea can cause [[cytopenias]], skin ulcers, and secondary [[malignancies]].  
**It is a [[Cytoreduction|cytoreductive]] agent that inhibits [[ribonucleotide reductase]], which is essential is [[nucleic acid metabolism]]. The inhibition of [[ribonucleotide reductase]] in hematopoetic cells results in a decrease in [[stem cell]] [[proliferation]] and [[red blood cell]] mass reduction.  
*'''[[Ruxolitinib]]''': This is a JAK2 inhibitor that is used in cases of polycythemia that are refractory to [[interferon]] therapy. This medication has been shown to produce excellent hematologic and spleen responses, with response rates of approximately 90%. The use of ruxolitiib can reduce the need for phlebotomy. Ruxolitinib also results in improved symptom burden as measured by the Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Symptom Assessment Form (MPN-SAF), which a validated tool for the assessment of disease burden from a subjective standpoint.<ref name="pmid27884974">{{cite journal| author=Vannucchi AM| title=From leeches to personalized medicine: evolving concepts in the management of polycythemia vera. | journal=Haematologica | year= 2017 | volume= 102 | issue= 1 | pages= 18-29 | pmid=27884974 | doi=10.3324/haematol.2015.129155 | pmc=5210229 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=27884974  }} </ref> Patients receiving ruxolitinib report improvement in spleen symptoms, inflammation, and microvascular abnormalities.
**15mg/kg PO per day is the initial recommended dose of [[hydroxyurea]]. This should be adjusted to achieve a [[platelet count]] between 100,000 to 400,000microL.
**''Adverse effects'': Ruxolitinib can cause non-melanoma skin cancers, weight gain, reactivation of herpes zoster, and cytopenias. Active skin surveillance is required given the skin cancer risk.
**It should be given to patients who are considered high-risk, such as those above age 60 and/or with [[thrombosis]] history.
*'''[[Interferon-alpha]]''': This medication results in reduction in [[red blood cell]] mass. The mechanism of action is not exactly known, but it is thought to induce [[apoptosis]], modulate the immune system, and exert a direct inhibitory effect on hematopoietic cells.<ref name="pmid27884974">{{cite journal| author=Vannucchi AM| title=From leeches to personalized medicine: evolving concepts in the management of polycythemia vera. | journal=Haematologica | year= 2017 | volume= 102 | issue= 1 | pages= 18-29 | pmid=27884974 | doi=10.3324/haematol.2015.129155 | pmc=5210229 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=27884974  }} </ref> Interferon-alpha can be given to patients who are considered high-risk, such as those above age 60 and/or with thrombosis history.<ref name="pmid27884974">{{cite journal| author=Vannucchi AM| title=From leeches to personalized medicine: evolving concepts in the management of polycythemia vera. | journal=Haematologica | year= 2017 | volume= 102 | issue= 1 | pages= 18-29 | pmid=27884974 | doi=10.3324/haematol.2015.129155 | pmc=5210229 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=27884974  }} </ref>
**Adverse effects include [[cytopenias]], skin ulcers, and secondary [[malignancies]].  
**''Adverse effects'': Interferon-alpha can cause infusion reaction and [[cytopenias]]. Pegylated interferon-alpha is one formulation of this medication and has less toxicity than conventional interferon. However, this agent is not commonly used in the current era given the adverse effect profile, which leads to inability to tolerate this medication. Within 1 year of starting interferon, 20% of patients will discontinue this due to adverse effects. Approximately 15-20% of patients become resistant to interferon and require alternative therapy.<ref name="pmid27884974">{{cite journal| author=Vannucchi AM| title=From leeches to personalized medicine: evolving concepts in the management of polycythemia vera. | journal=Haematologica | year= 2017 | volume= 102 | issue= 1 | pages= 18-29 | pmid=27884974 | doi=10.3324/haematol.2015.129155 | pmc=5210229 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/eutils/elink.fcgi?dbfrom=pubmed&tool=sumsearch.org/cite&retmode=ref&cmd=prlinks&id=27884974  }} </ref>
 
*'''[[Chlorambucil]]''' or '''[[busulfan]]''': These are alkylating agents that inhibit the proliferation of the malignant clone responsible for elevated [[red blood cell]] mass. These medications can be used if interferon or hydroxyurea are not tolerated. However, these medications are no longer included in the current standard of care for polycythemia vera.
*'''[[Ruxolitinib]]'''
**''Adverse effects'': [[Chlorambucil]] and [[busulfan]] can cause secondary myelodysplastic syndrome and secondary leukemias, which typically occur 5-7 years after exposure to these alkylating agents.
**This is a [[Janus kinase|JAK2 inhibitor]] that is used in cases of polycythemia that are refractory to [[interferon]] therapy. It has been shown to produce splendid hematologic and [[spleen]] responses of about 90%. The recommended dose is 20mg PO twice daily. The need for phlebotomy can be reduced with [[ruxolitinib]]
**When measured by the Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Symptom Assessment Form (MPN-SAF), which a validated tool for the assessment of disease burden from a subjective standpoint, [[ruxolitinib]] was shown to improve the symptoms in polycythemia vera patients. Patients receiving this medication report improvement in [[spleen]] symptoms, [[inflammation]], and [[Microvascular disease|microvascular]] abnormalities.
**Some side effects include non-melanoma [[skin cancers]], weight gain, reactivation of [[herpes zoster]], and [[cytopenias]]. Due to the risk of developing [[skin cancer]], active surveillance of the skin is required.  
 
*'''[[Interferon-alpha]]'''
**This medication results in a reduction in [[red blood cell]] mass. The mechanism of action is not exactly known, but it is thought to induce [[apoptosis]], regulate the immune system, and has a direct inhibitory effect on hematopoetic cells. Those patients considered as high risk can be given this medication, such as those above age 60 and/or with [[thrombosis]] history.
**It can cause infusion reaction and [[cytopenias]]. Pegylated [[interferon-alpha]], which is a formulation of the medication is less toxic than the conventional [[interferon]]. [[Interferon alpha]] is not routinely used in this current era due to its intolerable adverse effect profile. About 20% of patients will discontinue this medication within one year of starting due to the side effects. Approximately 15-20% of patients become resistant to [[interferon]] and require alternative therapy.
 
*'''[[Chlorambucil]]''' or '''[[busulfan]]'''
**These are alkylating agents that inhibit the proliferation of the [[malignant]] clone responsible for elevated [[red blood cell]] mass.  
**Can be used with intolerance to [[Interferon-alpha|interferon]] or [[hydroxyurea]]. They are no longer included in the current standard of care for polycythemia vera.
**They can lead to secondary [[myelodysplastic syndrome]] and secondary [[Leukemia|leukemias]], which typically occur 5-7 years after exposure to these medications.
 
*'''[[Phlebotomy]]'''
:*The goal [[hematocrit]] is less than 45%. Because this goal may not be achieved in practice, a goal of 50% is targeted by most clinicians.
:*In a normal sized adult, a standard one unit [[phlebotomy]] (500ml) should reduce the [[hematocrit]] by 3 percentage points.
:*In low risk patients (patients under 60 years with no history of [[thrombosis]]), [[phlebotomy]] alone can be used.
:*Some common adverse effects are [[iron deficiency]] and pain at the insertion site.


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 03:21, 14 September 2019

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ifeoma Odukwe, M.D. [2] Mohamad Alkateb, MBBCh [3] Shyam Patel [4]

Overview

The mainstay of therapy for polycythemia vera is phlebotomy, aspirin, hydroxyurea (alone or with phlebotomy), interferon-alpha and pegylated interferon-alpha, chlorambucil. Some of these medications are targeted agents that work specifically in polycythemia vera, while others are non-specific therapies that can have numerous off-target adverse effects. Some of these treatments can modify the course of the disease, while others simply alleviate symptom burden.

Medical Therapy

Medical therapy for polycythemia vera include:[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12]

  • Ruxolitinib
    • This is a JAK2 inhibitor that is used in cases of polycythemia that are refractory to interferon therapy. It has been shown to produce splendid hematologic and spleen responses of about 90%. The recommended dose is 20mg PO twice daily. The need for phlebotomy can be reduced with ruxolitinib
    • When measured by the Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Symptom Assessment Form (MPN-SAF), which a validated tool for the assessment of disease burden from a subjective standpoint, ruxolitinib was shown to improve the symptoms in polycythemia vera patients. Patients receiving this medication report improvement in spleen symptoms, inflammation, and microvascular abnormalities.
    • Some side effects include non-melanoma skin cancers, weight gain, reactivation of herpes zoster, and cytopenias. Due to the risk of developing skin cancer, active surveillance of the skin is required.
  • Interferon-alpha
    • This medication results in a reduction in red blood cell mass. The mechanism of action is not exactly known, but it is thought to induce apoptosis, regulate the immune system, and has a direct inhibitory effect on hematopoetic cells. Those patients considered as high risk can be given this medication, such as those above age 60 and/or with thrombosis history.
    • It can cause infusion reaction and cytopenias. Pegylated interferon-alpha, which is a formulation of the medication is less toxic than the conventional interferon. Interferon alpha is not routinely used in this current era due to its intolerable adverse effect profile. About 20% of patients will discontinue this medication within one year of starting due to the side effects. Approximately 15-20% of patients become resistant to interferon and require alternative therapy.
  • The goal hematocrit is less than 45%. Because this goal may not be achieved in practice, a goal of 50% is targeted by most clinicians.
  • In a normal sized adult, a standard one unit phlebotomy (500ml) should reduce the hematocrit by 3 percentage points.
  • In low risk patients (patients under 60 years with no history of thrombosis), phlebotomy alone can be used.
  • Some common adverse effects are iron deficiency and pain at the insertion site.

References

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  3. Kaplan ME, Mack K, Goldberg JD, Donovan PB, Berk PD, Wasserman LR (1986). "Long-term management of polycythemia vera with hydroxyurea: a progress report". Semin Hematol. 23 (3): 167–71. PMID 3749925.
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  7. Quintás-Cardama A, Kantarjian H, Manshouri T, Luthra R, Estrov Z, Pierce S; et al. (2009). "Pegylated interferon alfa-2a yields high rates of hematologic and molecular response in patients with advanced essential thrombocythemia and polycythemia vera". J Clin Oncol. 27 (32): 5418–24. doi:10.1200/JCO.2009.23.6075. PMID 19826111.
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  10. Squizzato A, Romualdi E, Passamonti F, Middeldorp S (2013). "Antiplatelet drugs for polycythaemia vera and essential thrombocythaemia". Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 4: CD006503. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD006503.pub3. PMID 23633335.
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  12. Vannucchi AM (2017). "From leeches to personalized medicine: evolving concepts in the management of polycythemia vera". Haematologica. 102 (1): 18–29. doi:10.3324/haematol.2015.129155. PMC 5210229. PMID 27884974.

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