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What is Ruxolitinib for Polycythemia Vera (PV)?
Learn about ruxolitinib, a non-chemotherapy treatment for people with polycythemia vera (PV).
What is Ruxolitinib?
Ruxolitinib (Jakafi by Incyte) is an FDA-approved Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitor for adults with polycythemia vera. It is a pill taken by mouth and works by blocking signals that cause cancer cells to multiply. It may also help reduce enlarged spleen size.
How Effective is Ruxolitinib for PV?
Controlling Red Blood Cell Levels
60% of PV patients who took ruxolitinib kept their red blood cell levels (hematocrit) under control without blood draw treatment (phlebotomy).
This is an improvement compared to only 19% of patients taking other treatments who maintained control over their red blood cell levels.
Reducing Spleen Size
40% of PV patients who took ruxolitinib saw at least a 35% reduction in their spleen size. This is an improvement compared to less than 1% of PV patients who took other therapies.
Other Insights of Ruxolitinib for PV Patients
A large research analysis looked at additional benefits and impacts of ruxolitinib for PV patients. The data showed:
- Ruxolitinib significantly reduces your risk of developing blood clots in blood vessels (thromboembolism).
- PV patients overall have improved symptoms (measured by the Myeloproliferative Neoplasms-Symptom Assessment Form).
- Ruxolitinib was, however, linked to increased rates of nonmelanoma skin cancer, anemia, and herpes zoster infections.
What are the Common Side Effects of Ruxolitinib for PV Patients?
Common side effects that may be experienced while taking ruxolitinib include low platelet or red blood cell counts, bruising, dizziness, headache, and diarrhea.
To read more about the potential side effects of ruxolitinib for PV patients, click here. If you have concerns about how side effects are managed during treatment, please contact a PV specialist.
Summary
Ruxolitinib is an FDA-approved treatment for polycythemia vera (PV) that helps manage the cancer by controlling red blood cell levels and reducing spleen size. It has shown significant effectiveness in reducing the risk of blood clots and improving PV symptoms compared to other treatments.
There are possible side effects from this treatment, as mentioned above. Contact a PV specialist to discuss how to manage treatment-related side effects.
Stay Updated on the Latest Polycythemia Vera News
Are you interested in learning more about polycythemia vera? Click on the button below to read PV news articles.
Sources:
Learn about ruxolitinib, a non-chemotherapy treatment for people with polycythemia vera (PV).
What is Ruxolitinib?
Ruxolitinib (Jakafi by Incyte) is an FDA-approved Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitor for adults with polycythemia vera. It is a pill taken by mouth and works by blocking signals that cause cancer cells to multiply. It may also help reduce enlarged spleen size.
How Effective is Ruxolitinib for PV?
Controlling Red Blood Cell Levels
60% of PV patients who took ruxolitinib kept their red blood cell levels (hematocrit) under control without blood draw treatment (phlebotomy).
This is an improvement compared to only 19% of patients taking other treatments who maintained control over their red blood cell levels.
Reducing Spleen Size
40% of PV patients who took ruxolitinib saw at least a 35% reduction in their spleen size. This is an improvement compared to less than 1% of PV patients who took other therapies.
Other Insights of Ruxolitinib for PV Patients
A large research analysis looked at additional benefits and impacts of ruxolitinib for PV patients. The data showed:
- Ruxolitinib significantly reduces your risk of developing blood clots in blood vessels (thromboembolism).
- PV patients overall have improved symptoms (measured by the Myeloproliferative Neoplasms-Symptom Assessment Form).
- Ruxolitinib was, however, linked to increased rates of nonmelanoma skin cancer, anemia, and herpes zoster infections.
What are the Common Side Effects of Ruxolitinib for PV Patients?
Common side effects that may be experienced while taking ruxolitinib include low platelet or red blood cell counts, bruising, dizziness, headache, and diarrhea.
To read more about the potential side effects of ruxolitinib for PV patients, click here. If you have concerns about how side effects are managed during treatment, please contact a PV specialist.
Summary
Ruxolitinib is an FDA-approved treatment for polycythemia vera (PV) that helps manage the cancer by controlling red blood cell levels and reducing spleen size. It has shown significant effectiveness in reducing the risk of blood clots and improving PV symptoms compared to other treatments.
There are possible side effects from this treatment, as mentioned above. Contact a PV specialist to discuss how to manage treatment-related side effects.
Stay Updated on the Latest Polycythemia Vera News
Are you interested in learning more about polycythemia vera? Click on the button below to read PV news articles.
Sources:
about the author
Lisa Foster
Lisa Foster is a mom of 3 daughters and 1 perfect grandchild, a puzzle lover, writer and HealthTree advocate. She believes in the mission of the foundation and the team that builds it forward. She calls Houston, Texas home.
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