Purpose of review: With increased understanding of the pathobiology of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), multiple new agents are now being investigated. We aim to cover some of the current treatment options for MPNs and discuss new agents in development.
Recent findings: The introduction of ruxolitinib improved the treatment of many patients with intermediate and higher risk myelofibrosis. However, ruxolitinib monotherapy does not benefit all patients, and not all patients can receive this therapy due to limiting cytopenias. The unraveling of new molecular abnormalities and cellular pathways led to the development of several novel targeted agents that are currently under investigation in clinical trials. These agents have different mechanisms of action and are being used either alone or in combination with ruxolitinib. Novel targets include inhibition of apoptosis, the tumor microenvironment, telomerase enzyme action, immunotherapy, and fibrosis with associated cytokines. We comprehensively review and summarize the available preclinical and clinical trials with novel agents for MPNs.
Keywords: JAK inhibitors; Myeloproliferative neoplasms; Novel drugs; Novel therapies; Ruxolitinib.