What Are The Latest Treatment Options For Polycythemia Vera?

Polycythemia vera (PV) is a chronic and rare type of blood cancer, characterized by thickened blood because it produces too many red blood cells (which deliver oxygen to the body’s tissues). It is caused by a mutated cell in the bone marrow and produces side effects such as: shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, headache, and itchy skin.

The latest PV treatment options include: injections, JAK inhibitors and histone deacetylase medications.

Injectable Treatments

Rusfertide, also known as PTG-300: mimics the hormone hepcidin (which regulates iron metabolism). Rusfertide can reduce the need for blood draws and improve symptoms like fatigue and itchy skin. 

• It’s injected once a week.
• It tricks the body into thinking it has high iron levels, which causes iron levels to drop. This stops the production of red blood cells.

Ropeginterferon alfa-2b (Besremi): targets the malignant clone of cells associated with PV. Besremi can reduce the number of blood cells produced by the bone marrow. It is used to treat polycythaemia vera in adults who do not have symptoms of an enlarged spleen.

• It is a bi-weekly injection that targets the bone marrow and may help control blood cell counts.
• Interferons are synthetic proteins that act on cell functions, they act differently from chemotherapy

JAK Inhibitors

Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are a class of medications that block the activity of enzymes that play a role in inflammation and immune responses. 

Ruxolitinib: This JAK2 inhibitor can reduce the level of JAK2 mutations and may lower the risk of PV progressing. It stops proteins in cells from growing and blocks the signals that cause cancer cells to keep growing. It comes in tablet form that you take with water.

• It may increase the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a disease of the white matter of the brain.
• Side effects may include: low platelet and red blood cell counts, bruising, dizziness and diarrhea.

Conclusions

Polycythemia vera is a complex condition, but treatment options continue to expand and improve. From injectable therapies to targeted oral treatments like JAK inhibitors, patients now have more choices. Each therapy works in a different way; some help regulate iron levels, others reduce the number of abnormal blood cells, and some block signals that drive the disease.

Understanding how these treatments work can help you and your care team choose a plan that best matches your symptoms, disease stage, and health goals.

If you're interested in learning more about the latest treatments and research for polycythemia vera, explore more articles on HealthTree News site. We break down complex science into clear, practical insights to help you make sense of your diagnosis and treatment options. Keep reading to stay informed and involved in your care.

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