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The treatment landscape
for polycythaemia vera

JAKAVI® (ruxolitinib) is indicated for adult patients with polycythaemia vera who are resistant to or intolerant of hydroxyurea (also referred to as hydroxycarbamide in the UK).1

Introduction

Polycythaemia vera (PV) is a myeloproliferative disorder that causes overproduction of red blood cells and is characterised by high symptom burden, risk of thrombotic events and disease transformation, and shortened life expectancy.2,3

Although PV is not curable, it can usually be managed effectively over time with careful supervision. The goals of treatment are to help control potentially debilitating symptoms and help reduce the
risk of complications.4

Treatments should therefore aim to:4

  • lower haematocrit concentration to normal levels (or near-normal levels)
  • lower platelet count, where needed
  • decrease symptoms related to PV

Learning objectives

  • Differentiate between first-, second- and later‑line treatment options for PV and how to weigh up risks and benefits
  • Understand how to manage symptom relief effectively and learn about potential short- and long-term outcomes of different therapies
  • Gain increased awareness of the current treatment landscape for PV, including guideline recommendations

Multiple-choice questions to test your current knowledge

These questions will help you assess your current knowledge of this topic before you begin to work on the module. Your answers will be marked but will not count towards your final score. You will be asked the same questions again at the end of the module and will be able to download a learning certificate for your records upon completion.

  • Not all forms of interferon therapy are licensed for use in PV
  • Pipobroman is not licensed for use in PV in the UK
  • 32P is not licensed for use in PV in the UK
  • Please refer to the relevant SmPC before prescribing

Hydroxyurea is also referred to in the UK as hydroxycarbamide.

Continue to module 

Treatment for patients with PV should be considered on an individual basis based on their clinical condition, preferences and medical needs. Always consult the guidelines and product Summaries of Product Characteristics before prescribing a treatment.

32P: phosphorus-32; BSH: British Society for Haematology; HCT: haematocrit; PV: polycythaemia vera

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
  1. JAKAVI® Summary of Product Characteristics. Available at: medicines.org.uk.
  2. Tefferi A, Vannucchi A M, Barbui T. Polycythemia vera: historical oversights, diagnostic details, and therapeutic views. Leukemia 2021;35(12):3339-3351.
  3. Harrison C N, Koschmieder S et al. The impact of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) on patient quality of life and productivity: results from the international MPN Landmark survey. Ann Hematol 2017;96(10):1653-1665.
  4. Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Polycythemia vera facts. Available at: lls.org. [Accessed March 2025].