Today’s Understanding of MPNs: Article Reviews in ASH Journal Blood
The world’s current understanding of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) is showcased in a review of MPN articles published in the April 2023 issue of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) journal Blood (Vol 141 Number 16: April 20, 2023).
The articles describe the latest advances in the field of MPN research and clinical practice. All of the articles summarized below are open access to read in full, with the exception of the article on essential thrombocythemia (ET).
Genetic basis and molecular profiling in myeloproliferative neoplasms
Damien Luque Paz, Robert Kralovics, and Radek C. Skoda
MPNs are genetically heterogeneous, or diverse diseases. Both germline (genetic) and somatic (acquired) mutations contribute to the onset and course of the disease. Ongoing research has led to a better understanding of these genetic factors and other events that lead to an eventual MPN diagnosis. Increasingly, this information can be used to predict outcomes and to help choose the best therapy.
Biology and therapeutic targeting of molecular mechanisms in MPNs
Joan How, Jacqueline S. Garcia, and Ann Mullally
A greater understanding of the biology of MPNs has led to the development of new approaches for therapeutic intervention. In this article review, MPN biology is explained, with a particular emphasis on the disease-causing blood stem cells and the bone marrow microenvironment in which they live.
JAK2V617F allele burden in polycythemia vera: burden of proof
Alison R. Moliterno, Hannah Kaizer, and Brandi N. Reeves
The role of JAK2 mutational burden on the risk to both thrombosis (blood clots) and disease progression are discussed in this review, including as part of the mounting proof that lowering this mutational burden may lead to risk reduction. New therapeutic candidates are described that can potentially lower mutational burden, and therefore risk, complementing JAK2 inhibitor and interferon alpha-based therapies.
Myelofibrosis
Francesco Passamonti and Barbara Mora
This very comprehensive review discusses all aspects of myelofibrosis: the diagnosis and clinical features; treatment decision making; results from past and ongoing clinical trials featuring many new investigational agents; and the need for trials to focus more on disease modification and survival.
Essential thrombocythemia: challenges in clinical practice and future prospects
Anna L. Godfrey, Anna C. Green, and Claire N. Harrison
The diagnosis and optimal management of patients with ET is discussed in this review, with an emphasis on addressing both the daily impact of the disease on patients and concerns over long-term outcomes, such as cardiovascular complications and disease progression. Unmet needs and newer treatments in clinical trials are also discussed.