New Clinical Perspectives in the Management of Myelofibrosis

STATEMENT OF NEED

Myelofibrosis is a rare type of myeloproliferative neoplasm—a heterogenous group of hematopoietic disorders—that affects approximately 13,000 individuals in the United States. As symptoms do not typically manifest in early stages, patients with myelofibrosis often present with advanced disease. The presence of comorbidities precludes most from allogeneic stem cell transplant, the only potentially curative treatment option available. Due to the dearth of effective treatment options, therapeutic goals are focused on slowing progression and maintaining quality of life. Median overall survival varies across risk groups, ranging from 15.4 years for patients with low-risk disease to only 1.3 years for those with high-risk disease. Furthermore, up to 20% of myelofibrosis cases transform to acute myeloid leukemia, where the 5-year overall survival rate is only 27%.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Hematology/oncology physicians, oncology advanced practitioners, and other health care professionals involved in the management of patients with myelofibrosis.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

1. Assess predictive and prognostic markers that can rationally inform personalized care planning in myelofibrosis
2. Apply emerging data in therapeutic strategies to improve survival and quality of life in patients with myelofibrosis
3. Discuss the implications that research advances in myelofibrosis may have for future clinical practice