Improvement of bone marrow fibrosis with ruxolitinib: will this finding change our perception of the drug?

Abstract

Ruxolitinib, a JAK1 and JAK2 inhibitor, has been tested and approved for the treatment of primary and secondary myelofibrosis. Reduction of spleen volume and improvement of constitutional symptoms and quality of life have been reported as the major findings in sponsored randomized clinical trials. Recent data indicated that the drug improves bone marrow fibrosis and that different targets may be involved in this response. These new data, which require confirmation in prospective trials, may change our perspectives and therapeutic strategies for this disease.

Keywords:

• fibrosis
• myelofibrosis
• ruxolitinib

Acknowledgements

No funding or sponsorship for this article. M Breccia designed the study, analyzed data and wrote the manuscript; M Molica and G Colafigli analyzed data; G Alimena critically revised the paper and approved the final version.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

M Breccia received honoraria from Novartis, Bristol, Pfizer and Ariad. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.