Targeted Therapy for MPNs: Going Beyond JAK Inhibitors

Curr Hematol Malig Rep. 2023 Jun;18(3):41-55. doi: 10.1007/s11899-023-00690-y. Epub 2023 Jan 27.

Abstract

Purpose of review: JAK inhibition is an effective means of controlling symptom burden and improving splenomegaly in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). However, a majority of patients treated with JAK inhibition will have disease progression with long-term use. In In this review, we focus on the investigation of novel targeted agents beyond JAK inhibitors both in the chronic phase of disease and in the accelerated/blast phase of disease.

Recent findings: Relevant targeted therapies in MPNs include BET inhibitors, BCL inhibitors, LSD1 inhibitors, PI3K inhibitors, IDH inhibitors, telomerase inhibitors, and MDM2 inhibitor. Agents within these classes have been investigated either as monotherapy or in combination with a JAK inhibitor. We summarize the prospective data for these agents along with detailing the ongoing phase III trials incorporating these agents. While JAK inhibition has been a mainstay of therapy in MPNs, a majority of patients will have disease of progression. JAK inhibitors also have limited anti-clonal effect and do not impact the rate of progression to the blast phase of disease. The novel therapies detailed in this review not only show promise in ameliorating the symptom burden of MPNs but may be able to alter the natural history of disease.

Keywords: JAK inhibitor; MPN; Targeted therapies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Blast Crisis
  • Humans
  • Janus Kinase 2
  • Janus Kinase Inhibitors* / therapeutic use
  • Myeloproliferative Disorders* / diagnosis
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases
  • Prospective Studies
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / adverse effects

Substances

  • Janus Kinase Inhibitors
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Janus Kinase 2