For PV in adults who have had an inadequate response to hydroxyurea1

Intervene with Jakafi® (ruxolitinib) to achieve durable count control2

Dr Claire Harrison

I’d like for my colleagues to understand the importance of identifying patients with PV who have hematocrit levels between 45% and 50%, white blood cell counts above 11, or are needing more than 4 phlebotomies a year. These are the signs that hydroxyurea may be inadequate, and we need to take action immediately by considering a change in treatment plan.

Claire Harrison, DM, FRCPath, MPN Expert

Indication

Jakafi is indicated for treatment of polycythemia vera (PV) in adults who have had an inadequate response to or are intolerant of hydroxyurea.

 

RESPONSE composite primary endpoint*†

23%

(25/110) of patients receiving Jakafi achieved Hct control and ≥35% spleen volume reduction at week 32 vs <1% (1/112) of patients receiving BAT‡ (P<0.0001)1§

Strict Hct control data

Learn more about Hct control data from the RESPONSE trial

EXPLORE THE DATA

CHR and WBC count data

Review CHR and mean WBC count data from the RESPONSE trial

SEE STUDY RESULTS

MAJIC-PV study

Learn more about study results, including data on complete response, event-free survival, and thrombosis-free survival

EXPLORE MAJIC-PV DATA

Safety profile

Review the safety profile from the RESPONSE trial

VIEW [br class="cta-break-tag"/]SAFETY DATA
Dr Harrison Hct Control and Thrombosis video

MAJIC-PV study results: Hct control and risk of thrombosis

Dr Claire Harrison discusses results from the RESPONSE and MAJIC-PV studies, including data on Hct and thrombosis-free survival.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE IMPACT OF HCT CONTROL
Dr Harrison WBC and Thrombosis video

MAJIC-PV study results: WBC control and risk of thrombosis

Dr Claire Harrison discusses findings from the RESPONSE and MAJIC-PV studies, including data on the correlation between WBC control and thrombosis-free survival.

DISCOVER THE IMPACT OF WBC CONTROL

*The RESPONSE trial was a randomized, open-label, active-controlled phase 3 trial comparing Jakafi with BAT in 222 patients with PV. Patients enrolled in the study had been diagnosed with PV for at least 24 weeks, had an inadequate response to or were intolerant of HU, required phlebotomy for Hct control, and exhibited splenomegaly. All patients were required to demonstrate Hct control between 40% and 45% prior to randomization. After week 32, patients on BAT were able to cross over to Jakafi treatment.1,4

†The composite primary endpoint was defined as Hct control without phlebotomy eligibility and a ≥35% spleen volume reduction as measured by CT or MRI. To achieve the Hct control endpoint, patients could not become eligible for phlebotomy between weeks 8 and 32. Phlebotomy eligibility was defined as Hct >45% that is ≥3 percentage points higher than baseline or Hct >48% (lower value).1,4

‡BAT included HU (60%), interferon/pegylated interferon (12%), anagrelide (7%), pipobroman (2%), lenalidomide/thalidomide (5%), and observation (15%).1

§Jakafi: 95% CI, 0.15-0.32; BAT: 95% CI, 0.00-0.05.1

||Category 1: Based upon high-level evidence, there is uniform NCCN consensus that the intervention is appropriate.3

BAT=best available therapy; CHR=complete hematologic remission; CI=confidence interval; CT=computed tomography; Hct=hematocrit; HU=hydroxyurea; MPN=myeloproliferative neoplasm; MRI=magnetic resonance imaging; NCCN=National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®); PV=polycythemia vera; RESPONSE=Randomized study of Efficacy and Safety in POlycythemia vera with JAK iNhibitor ruxolitinib verSus bEst available care; WBC=white blood cell.

 

References: 1. Jakafi [package insert]. Wilmington, DE: Incyte Corporation. 2. Kiladjian J-J, Zachee P, Hino M, et al. Long-term efficacy and safety of ruxolitinib versus best available therapy in polycythaemia vera (RESPONSE): 5-year follow up of a phase 3 study. Lancet Haematol. 2020;7(3):e226-e237. Supplementary appendix available at: doi:10.1016/S2352-3026(19)30207-8. 3. Referenced with permission from the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) for Myeloproliferative Neoplasms V.1.2024. © National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Inc. 2023. All rights reserved. Accessed January 4, 2024. To view the most recent and complete version of the guideline, go online to NCCN.org. NCCN makes no warranties of any kind whatsoever regarding their content, use or application and disclaims any responsibility for their application or use in any way. 4. Vannucchi AM, Kiladjian JJ, Griesshammer M, et al. Ruxolitinib versus standard therapy for the treatment of polycythemia vera. N Engl J Med. 2015;372(5):426-435. Supplementary appendix available at: https://www.nejm.org/doi/suppl/10.1056/NEJMoa1409002/suppl_file/nejmoa1409002_appendix.pdf.

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INDICATIONS AND USAGE

JAKAFI®/JAKAFI XR™ (ruxolitinib) is for treatment of intermediate or high-risk myelofibrosis (MF), including primary MF, post–polycythemia vera MF and post–essential thrombocythemia MF in adults.

JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR is for treatment of polycythemia vera (PV) in adults who have had an inadequate response to or are intolerant of hydroxyurea.

JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR is for treatment of steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) in adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older.

JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR is for treatment of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) after failure of one or two lines of systemic therapy in adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Warnings and Precautions

Thrombocytopenia, Anemia and Neutropenia

  • JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR can cause dose-related effects of thrombocytopenia, anemia and neutropenia. Perform a pre-treatment complete blood count (CBC) and monitor CBCs every 2 to 4 weeks until doses are stabilized, and then as clinically indicated.
  • Manage thrombocytopenia by reducing the dose or temporarily interrupting JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR. Platelet transfusions may be necessary.
  • Patients developing anemia may require blood transfusions and/or dose modifications of JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR.
  • Severe neutropenia (ANC <0.5 × 109/L) was generally reversible by withholding JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR until recovery.

Risk of Infection

Tuberculosis

  • Serious bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal and viral infections have occurred. Delay starting JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR until active serious infections have resolved. Observe patients receiving JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR for signs and symptoms of infection and manage promptly.
  • Tuberculosis (TB) infection with JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR has been reported. Observe patients taking JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR for signs and symptoms of active TB and manage promptly. Prior to initiating, evaluate patients for TB risk factors and test those at higher risk for latent infection. Consult a physician with expertise in the treatment of TB before starting in patients with evidence of active or latent TB. Continuation during treatment of active TB should be based on the overall risk-benefit determination.

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy

  • Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) has occurred with JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR treatment. If PML is suspected, stop JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR and evaluate.

Herpes Zoster and Herpes Simplex

  • Herpes zoster infection, reactivation and/or dissemination has been reported in patients receiving JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR. Advise patients about early signs and symptoms of herpes zoster and seek treatment. Monitor patients for the development of herpes simplex infections. If a patient develops evidence of dissemination of herpes simplex, consider interrupting treatment.

Hepatitis B

  • Increases in hepatitis B viral load with or without associated elevations in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase have been reported in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections.

Symptom Exacerbation Following Interruption or Discontinuation of Treatment

  • When discontinuing JAK-Inhibitors, including JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR, myeloproliferative neoplasm-related signs and symptoms may flare. After discontinuation, some patients with myelofibrosis have experienced fever, respiratory distress, hypotension, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), or multi-organ failure. If any of these occur after discontinuation or while tapering JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR, evaluate and treat any intercurrent illness and consider restarting or increasing the dose. Instruct patients not to interrupt or discontinue JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR without consulting their physician. When discontinuing or interrupting JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR for reasons other than life-threatening toxicities, consider gradual tapering rather than abrupt discontinuation.

Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer (NMSC)

  • NMSC including basal cell, squamous cell, and Merkel cell carcinoma have occurred. Perform periodic skin examinations.

Lipid Elevations

  • Treatment with JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR has been associated with increases in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides. Assess lipid parameters 8-12 weeks after initiation.

Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE)

  • Another JAK-inhibitor has increased the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke (compared to those treated with TNF blockers), in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, a condition for which JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR is not indicated. Consider the benefits and risks for the individual patient prior to initiating or continuing therapy, particularly in patients who are current or past smokers and patients with other cardiovascular risk factors. Patients should be informed about the symptoms of serious cardiovascular events and the steps to take if they occur.

Thrombosis

  • Another JAK-inhibitor has increased the risk of thrombosis, including deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and arterial thrombosis (compared to those treated with TNF blockers), in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, a condition for which JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR is not indicated. In patients with myelofibrosis (MF) and polycythemia vera (PV), the rates of thromboembolic events were similar in JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR and control treated patients. Patients with symptoms of thrombosis should be promptly evaluated and treated appropriately.

Secondary Malignancies

  • Another JAK-inhibitor has increased the risk of lymphoma and other malignancies, excluding NMSC (compared to those treated with TNF blockers), in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, a condition for which JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR is not indicated. Patients who are current or past smokers are at additional increased risk.

Adverse Reactions

  • In myelofibrosis, the most common hematologic adverse reactions (incidence >20%) were thrombocytopenia and anemia. The most common nonhematologic adverse reactions (incidence ≥15%) were bruising, dizziness, headache and diarrhea.
  • In polycythemia vera, the most common hematologic adverse reactions (incidence >20%) were thrombocytopenia and anemia. The most common nonhematologic adverse reactions (incidence ≥15%) were bruising, dizziness, headache and diarrhea.
  • In acute graft-versus-host disease, the most common hematologic adverse reactions (incidence >50%) were anemia, thrombocytopenia and neutropenia. The most common nonhematologic adverse reactions (incidence >50%) were infections (pathogen not specified) and edema.
  • In chronic graft-versus-host disease, the most common hematologic adverse reactions (incidence >35%) were anemia and thrombocytopenia. The most common nonhematologic adverse reactions (incidence ≥20%) were infections (pathogen not specified) and viral infections.

Drug Interactions

  • Avoid concomitant use with fluconazole doses greater than 200 mg. Dose modifications may be required when administering fluconazole doses of 200 mg or less, or with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, or in patients with renal or hepatic impairment. Patients should be closely monitored and the dose titrated based on safety and efficacy.

Pregnancy

  • Use during pregnancy is not recommended and should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Women taking JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR should not breastfeed during treatment and for 2 weeks after the final dose.

Please see Full Prescribing Information for JAKAFI and JAKAFI XR.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

JAKAFI®/JAKAFI XR™ (ruxolitinib) is for treatment of intermediate or high-risk myelofibrosis (MF), including primary MF, post–polycythemia vera MF and post–essential thrombocythemia MF in adults.

JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR is for treatment of polycythemia vera (PV) in adults who have had an inadequate response to or are intolerant of hydroxyurea.

JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR is for treatment of steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) in adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older.

JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR is for treatment of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) after failure of one or two lines of systemic therapy in adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Warnings and Precautions

Thrombocytopenia, Anemia and Neutropenia

  • JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR can cause dose-related effects of thrombocytopenia, anemia and neutropenia. Perform a pre-treatment complete blood count (CBC) and monitor CBCs every 2 to 4 weeks until doses are stabilized, and then as clinically indicated.
  • Manage thrombocytopenia by reducing the dose or temporarily interrupting JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR. Platelet transfusions may be necessary.
  • Patients developing anemia may require blood transfusions and/or dose modifications of JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR.
  • Severe neutropenia (ANC <0.5 × 109/L) was generally reversible by withholding JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR until recovery.

Risk of Infection

Tuberculosis

  • Serious bacterial, mycobacterial, fungal and viral infections have occurred. Delay starting JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR until active serious infections have resolved. Observe patients receiving JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR for signs and symptoms of infection and manage promptly.
  • Tuberculosis (TB) infection with JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR has been reported. Observe patients taking JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR for signs and symptoms of active TB and manage promptly. Prior to initiating, evaluate patients for TB risk factors and test those at higher risk for latent infection. Consult a physician with expertise in the treatment of TB before starting in patients with evidence of active or latent TB. Continuation during treatment of active TB should be based on the overall risk-benefit determination.

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy

  • Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) has occurred with JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR treatment. If PML is suspected, stop JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR and evaluate.

Herpes Zoster and Herpes Simplex

  • Herpes zoster infection, reactivation and/or dissemination has been reported in patients receiving JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR. Advise patients about early signs and symptoms of herpes zoster and seek treatment. Monitor patients for the development of herpes simplex infections. If a patient develops evidence of dissemination of herpes simplex, consider interrupting treatment.

Hepatitis B

  • Increases in hepatitis B viral load with or without associated elevations in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase have been reported in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections.

Symptom Exacerbation Following Interruption or Discontinuation of Treatment

  • When discontinuing JAK-Inhibitors, including JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR, myeloproliferative neoplasm-related signs and symptoms may flare. After discontinuation, some patients with myelofibrosis have experienced fever, respiratory distress, hypotension, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), or multi-organ failure. If any of these occur after discontinuation or while tapering JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR, evaluate and treat any intercurrent illness and consider restarting or increasing the dose. Instruct patients not to interrupt or discontinue JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR without consulting their physician. When discontinuing or interrupting JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR for reasons other than life-threatening toxicities, consider gradual tapering rather than abrupt discontinuation.

Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer (NMSC)

  • NMSC including basal cell, squamous cell, and Merkel cell carcinoma have occurred. Perform periodic skin examinations.

Lipid Elevations

  • Treatment with JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR has been associated with increases in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides. Assess lipid parameters 8-12 weeks after initiation.

Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE)

  • Another JAK-inhibitor has increased the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke (compared to those treated with TNF blockers), in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, a condition for which JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR is not indicated. Consider the benefits and risks for the individual patient prior to initiating or continuing therapy, particularly in patients who are current or past smokers and patients with other cardiovascular risk factors. Patients should be informed about the symptoms of serious cardiovascular events and the steps to take if they occur.

Thrombosis

  • Another JAK-inhibitor has increased the risk of thrombosis, including deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and arterial thrombosis (compared to those treated with TNF blockers), in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, a condition for which JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR is not indicated. In patients with myelofibrosis (MF) and polycythemia vera (PV), the rates of thromboembolic events were similar in JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR and control treated patients. Patients with symptoms of thrombosis should be promptly evaluated and treated appropriately.

Secondary Malignancies

  • Another JAK-inhibitor has increased the risk of lymphoma and other malignancies, excluding NMSC (compared to those treated with TNF blockers), in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, a condition for which JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR is not indicated. Patients who are current or past smokers are at additional increased risk.

Adverse Reactions

  • In myelofibrosis, the most common hematologic adverse reactions (incidence >20%) were thrombocytopenia and anemia. The most common nonhematologic adverse reactions (incidence ≥15%) were bruising, dizziness, headache and diarrhea.
  • In polycythemia vera, the most common hematologic adverse reactions (incidence >20%) were thrombocytopenia and anemia. The most common nonhematologic adverse reactions (incidence ≥15%) were bruising, dizziness, headache and diarrhea.
  • In acute graft-versus-host disease, the most common hematologic adverse reactions (incidence >50%) were anemia, thrombocytopenia and neutropenia. The most common nonhematologic adverse reactions (incidence >50%) were infections (pathogen not specified) and edema.
  • In chronic graft-versus-host disease, the most common hematologic adverse reactions (incidence >35%) were anemia and thrombocytopenia. The most common nonhematologic adverse reactions (incidence ≥20%) were infections (pathogen not specified) and viral infections.

Drug Interactions

  • Avoid concomitant use with fluconazole doses greater than 200 mg. Dose modifications may be required when administering fluconazole doses of 200 mg or less, or with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, or in patients with renal or hepatic impairment. Patients should be closely monitored and the dose titrated based on safety and efficacy.

Pregnancy

  • Use during pregnancy is not recommended and should only be used if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Women taking JAKAFI/JAKAFI XR should not breastfeed during treatment and for 2 weeks after the final dose.

Please see Full Prescribing Information for JAKAFI and JAKAFI XR.