Patients With Low-Risk Myelofibrosis Show Increasing Disease Progression Over Four Years

A recent study presented at the Society of Hematologic Oncology 2024 Annual Meeting in Houston, Texas, evaluated the progression of myelofibrosis (MF) in patients enrolled in the Myelofibrosis and Essential Thrombocythemia Observational Study (NCT02953704). The analysis focused on 232 patients, divided into two cohorts: 205 patients without DIPSS criteria (cohort A) and 27 patients with one or more DIPSS criteria (cohort B).

The study aimed to assess disease progression, defined by specific clinical markers such as hemoglobin levels, platelet counts, and the presence of constitutional symptoms.

In cohort A, 58.5% of patients showed progression, with older age at diagnosis and enrollment being significant factors. The median time from diagnosis to enrollment was longer in patients who progressed. Both groups—those with and without progression—had similar rates of MF-directed therapy at enrollment. Among patients tested for JAK2 mutations, a higher percentage with progression tested positive. The most common progression marker was a hemoglobin level below 10 g/dL. The median times to the first, second, and third progression criteria were approximately 24.9, 28.2, and 11.6 months, respectively. A small percentage of patients developed leukemia or died from progression.

In cohort B, nearly all patients met at least one progression criterion at enrollment, and 29.6% showed further progression during the study, with hemoglobin levels and platelet counts being the most common new markers.

The findings indicated that about 60% of patients with low-risk MF experience disease progression over four years, with the rate of progression increasing over time.

Reference

Grunwald MR, Gerds AT, Agrawal A, et al. High rate of disease progression in patients with low-risk myelofibrosis (MF) enrolled in the prospective Myelofibrosis and Essential Thrombocythemia Observational Study (MOST). Abstract #MPN-100. Presented at the Society of Hematologic Oncology 2024 Annual Meeting; September 4-7, 2024; Houston, Texas.