The treatment landscape
for polycythaemia vera
BSH guidelines for high-risk patients with PV1
First-line treatment options:
Hydroxyurea or interferon (preferably pegylated interferon)
Second-line treatment options:
- In patients treated with hydroxyurea as first line, interferon as second-line treatment, or, where treated with interferon as first line, recommend hydroxyurea as second-line treatment
- Consider pegylated interferon as second line in those patients who have had non-pegylated interferon first line and could not tolerate it
- JAKAVI® (ruxolitinib) second or third line in hydroxyurea-resistant or ‑intolerant patients
Third-line or further treatment options:
- Busulphan, 32P or pipobroman in those with limited life expectancy
- Anagrelide in combination with hydroxyurea may be helpful in those where platelet control is difficult
Adapted from McMullin M F et al, 20191
Continue to re-test your knowledge32P: phosphorus-32; BSH: British Society for Haematology
JAKAVI® (ruxolitinib) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with polycythaemia vera who are resistant to or intolerant of hydroxyurea.2
Adverse events should be reported. Reporting forms and information can be found at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. Adverse events should also be reported to Novartis online through the pharmacovigilance intake (PVI) tool at www.novartis.com/report or alternatively email medinfo.uk@novartis.com or call 01276 698370.
References
- McMullin M F, Harrison C N et al. A guideline for the diagnosis and management of polycythaemia vera. A British Society for Haematology Guideline. Br J Haematol 2019;184(2):176-191
- JAKAVI® Summary of Product Characteristics. Available at: www.medicines.org.uk (for GB) or www.emcmedicines.com (for NI). Accessed November 2024