Targeted therapies may lead to better symptom control and higher response in people with severe primary myelofibrosis-associated (PMF) pruritus, according to a retrospective review involving 566 individuals.

Investigators looked at clinical characteristics, severity of pruritus, type of treatment, and response. They identified 51 patients with bone marrow-proven PMF with associated pruritus. Among the results:

• Two-thirds of the 51 patients reported severe PMF-associated pruritus that needed 108 treatment episodes.

• Complete response occurred in 22%, partial response in 23%, and no response in 55% of episodes.

• JAK inhibitors, antidepressants, and antihistamines were the most common treatments.

• 53% of those treated with a JAK inhibitor experienced a complete response, whereas half of those on immunomodulatory drugs did so.

Citation: Vaa B, Tefferi A, Gangat N, et al. Pruritus in primary myelofibrosis: Management options in the era of JAK inhibitors. [Published online ahead of print April 23, 2016]. Ann Hematol. doi:10.1007/s00277-016-2674-2.