Dr. Rampal on Treatment Options in Polycythemia Vera

Raajit K. Rampal, MD, PhD, hematologic oncologist, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, discusses treatment options in polycythemia vera.

Initially, a patient should be evaluated to determine if they require pharmacologic treatment, explains Rampal.

Upfront treatment for patients who require therapy includes hydroxyurea and interferon. Long-term data suggests both agents are active in this space, says Rampal. Additionally, there is emerging data that ropeginterferon alfa-2b is another active agent in the frontline setting.

Patients who fail treatment with hydroxyurea should be considered for second-line therapywith the JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib (Jakafi). In later-line settings, investigational therapies are currently being explored, concludes Rampal.