Results of a large nationwide, population based study from Sweden of MPN treatments and outcomes have just been published.
Titled ‘Polycythemia Vera and Essential Thrombocythemia: A Nationwide Population-Based Study on Treatment Patterns, Vascular Complications and Survival’, it ‘analyzed 2,604 PV and 3,141 ET patients using multiple Swedish health care registers, covering 43,612 patient-years. Rates of arterial and venous events, major bleeding, and all-cause mortality (ACM) were evaluated across therapies.’
The analysis ‘highlights risk factors associated with complications during treatment in a real-world context and reinforces the role of HU and IFN as first-line therapies in PV and ET.’
The summary concludes….
‘In summary, this population-based study demonstrates that treatment with HU (hydroxyurea/hydroxycarbamide) is associated with a reduced risk of thromboembolic complications, major bleeding, and ACM (all cause mortality) in patients with PV and ET. Similarly, IFN (interferon) therapy was linked to a lower risk of ACM in both conditions. These findings confirm the benefits of using HU and IFN as first-line treatment in PV and ET. Additionally, elevated WBC (white blood count) at diagnosis was independently correlated to a higher risk of thrombosis, hemorrhage, and ACM, recognizing leukocytosis as a marker of poor prognosis in these disorders. To establish optimal management for both low- and high-risk PV and ET patients, including determining appropriate timing for initiating cytoreductive therapy and how to control the thrombogenic mechanisms associated with leukocytosis, further research is needed.’
The full article was referenced on the MPN Hub website and is free to access HERE.
