Significant Steps Forward in the Understanding and Treatment of MPNs

Raajit K. Rampal, MD, PhD, hematologic oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, discusses some of the key takeaways from the 2023 American Society of Hematology (ASH) Annual Meeting and what he believes holds promise for the space in 2024.

This past year marked significant progress in the field of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) and highlights were presented at ASH 2023. Notably, 2 phase 3 trials were completed and 2 combination agents showed promising results. Additionally, several new non-JAK inhibitor drugs were highlighted, along with advancements in mastocytosis research.

Rampal explains that there is now excitement surrounding the emergence of small molecule inhibitors in clinical trials, which may offer potential insights. Moreover, the introduction of the first antibodies, particularly calreticulin antibodies from various companies, into clinical trials is anticipated to have a major impact, with insights expected to emerge soon.

These developments represent a significant step forward in the understanding and treatment of MPNs, offering hope for improved outcomes for patients in the near future.

Transcription:

0:09 | This [was] a big year in terms of developments for MPNs at ASH. We had 2 phase 3 trials read out, which is extremely uncommon in our field, 2 combination agents, both I think that could show some promising results, as well. There were a number of other newer drugs that are non-JAK inhibitors that were also showcased, and also some developments in mastocytosis as well.

0:38 | There is a lot to be excited about for the first time in a very long time. There are all of these other small molecule inhibitors in clinical trials [and] I think we will learn a lot from that. Now, we have the first antibodies, we have calreticulin antibodies from a couple of different companies that are in clinical trials that have just started, and I think those could potentially make a major impact, so we will learn a lot about those shortly.