Discussing Options for Ruxolitinib-Refractory Patients With Myelofibrosis

Robyn M. Scherber, MD, MPH, a physician at Mays Cancer Center, UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, discussesher advice for treating patients with myelofibrosis(MF) that become refractory or resistant to ruxolitinib (Jakifi).

Ruxolitinib should be maximized in patients with MF as it is known to have spleen response, symptom response, and patients also tend to feel better on it. Scherber says optimizing ruxolitinib is key. However, she has seen physicians try to dose down at the first sign of concerning anemia. Erythropoietin or danazol can be used to help treat anemia in these patients.