TITLE:
Does Ruxolitinib, in Comparison to Best Available Therapy (BAT), Improve Pruritis Symptoms in Patients with Polycythemia Vera?
AUTHORS:
Zachary Samuel Thorogood
KEYWORDS:
Polycythemia Vera, Ruxolitinib, Pruritis
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.12 No.3,
March
8,
2024
ABSTRACT: Polycythemia vera manifests as a myeloproliferative neoplasm associated with diverse symptoms, including aquagenic pruritis. This systematic review addresses the pressing need to enhance the understanding of the disease’s symptomatology and optimize treatment strategies for improved patient outcomes. The rarity and low prevalence of polycythemia vera underscore the importance of this investigation, as existing standard of care involves a multifaceted approach and significant healthcare costs. Despite advancement in therapeutic options, persistent symptoms and resistance to first-line treatments pose challenges. Ruxolitinib has emerged as a promising intervention, demonstrating clinically significant improvement for patients. This systematic review appraises three randomized controlled trials, shedding light on the efficacy of ruxolitinib and its potential to ameliorate pruritis symptoms in symptomatic patients.