SUMMARY: MyeloFibrosis (MF) is a MyeloProliferative Neoplasm (MPN) characterized by a ineffective hematopoiesis, progressive fibrosis of the bone marrow and potential for leukemic transformation. This stem cell disorder is Philadelphia Chromosome negative and manifestations include anemia, splenomegaly and related symptoms such as abdominal distension and discomfort with early satiety. Cytokine driven debilitating symptoms such as fatigue, fever, night sweats, weight loss, pruritus and bone or muscle pain can further impact an individual’s quality of life. Myelofibrosis can be primary (PMF) or secondary to Polycythemia Vera (PV) or Essential Thrombocythemia (ET).
The JAK-STAT signaling pathway has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Myelofibrosis. This pathway normally is responsible for passing information from outside the cell through the cell membrane to the DNA in the nucleus for gene transcription. Janus Kinase (JAK) family of tyrosine kinases are cytoplasmic proteins and include JAK1, JAK2, JAK3 and TYK2. JAK1 helps propagate the signaling of inflammatory cytokines whereas JAK2 is essential for growth and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells. These tyrosine kinases mediate cell signaling by recruiting STAT’s (Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription), with resulting modulation of gene expression. In patients with MPN, the aberrant myeloproliferation is the result of dysregulated JAK2-STAT signaling as well as excess production of inflammatory cytokines associated with this abnormal signaling. These cytokines contribute to the symptoms often reported by patients with MF. JAK2 mutations such as JAK2 V617F are seen in approximately 60% of the patients with PMF and ET and 95% of patients with PV. Unlike CML where the BCR-ABL fusion gene triggers the disease, JAK2 mutations are not initiators of the disease and are not specific for MPN. Further, several other genetic events may contribute to the abnormal JAK2-STAT signaling.
JAKAFI® (Ruxolitinib) is a potent JAK1 and JAK2 inhibitor and exerts its mechanism of action by targeting and inhibiting the dysregulated JAK2-STAT signaling pathway. The FDA approval of JAKAFI® for the treatment of Intermediate and high risk Myelofibrosis was based on two phase III trials – COMFORT (Controlled Myelofibrosis Study with Oral JAK1/JAK2 Inhibitor Treatment)-I and COMFORT-II studies. JAKAFI® in patients with Myelofibrosis, demonstrated rapid and durable improvements in splenomegaly and symptoms as well as improved survival in both phase III COMFORT studies.
The authors now reported the final long term efficacy and safety results after 5 years of treatment with JAKAFI® in the COMFORT-I study. In COMFORT-I study, 309 intermediate or high risk patients were randomized to receive either JAKAFI® (N=155) or Placebo (N=154). The Primary end point was a 35% or more reduction in spleen size at 24 weeks. The preplanned 5- year analysis occurred when all patients reached the 5-year visit or discontinued treatment. Patients in the placebo group could crossover to the JAKAFI® group after the primary analysis (when all patients completed week 24) or at any time if they had pre-specified worsening of splenomegaly. Of the 154 patients randomized to placebo, 111 patients crossed over to the JAKAFI® group and the median time to crossover was 41 weeks.
It was noted that at week 24, patients in the JAKAFI® arm had a mean Spleen Volume reduction of 32% from baseline and this response was durable for patients who continued treatment, with a mean Spleen Volume reduction of 38% at week 264 (5 years). At 5 years, 18.5% of patients on JAKAFI® had a 35% or more, reduction in Spleen Volume from baseline. Median duration of this spleen response (35% or more reduction in Spleen Volume) in the JAKAFI® group was 168 weeks. Overall Survival was significantly better for patients originally randomized to JAKAFI® compared to placebo (HR=0.69; P=0.025). The mean hemoglobin and platelet count remained stable through 5 years, after week 24. Adverse events included anemia, thrombocytopenia, Herpes Zoster and Basal Cell Carcinomas
The authors concluded that after a median follow up of over 5 years, patients with Myelofibrosis randomized to receive JAKAFI® in the COMFORT-I study, had a superior Overall Survival compared to placebo, as well as durable spleen response, while on long term therapy with JAKAFI®. Long-Term Outcomes of Ruxolitinib(RUX) Therapy in Patients(PTS) with Myelofibrosis(MF): 5-Year Final Efficacy and Safety Analysis from COMFORT-I. Verstovsek S, Mesa RA, Gotlib JR, et al. Presented at 2016 European Hematology Association Congress; June 9-12, 2016; Copenhagen, Denmark. Abstract:S452
