Abstract
The JAK2V617F mutation has emerged in recent years as a diagnostic as well as treatment target in patients with polycythemia vera (PV). We analyzed JAK2V617F allele burden (JAK2V617F) in a Jewish population with PV. Results were correlated with disease symptoms and complications. Median JAK2V617F was 48% and 54% in patients of Ashkenazi and non-Ashkenazi origin, respectively (p =0.75). Higher JAK2V617F was seen in patients with imaging-proven splenomegaly (p =0.01). A correlation between JAK2V617F and the weekly hydoxyurea dose needed for disease control was found (p =0.043). In addition, a trend for higher allele burden in patients with longer disease duration (p =0.064) and those treated with cytoreductive drugs other than hydroxyurea (p =0.056) was noted. Higher JAK2V617F was seen in patients with transformation to myelofibosis (p =0.0001), but not in patients with vascular complications. JAK2V617F may assist in prognostic stratification of patients with PV.
Acknowledgement
We would like to thank Ms. Shlomit Gan for excellent statistical assistance.
Potential conflict of interest
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