The analysis included patients in both high risk and low risk groups, as well as patients receiving phlebotomy alone or phlebotomy as a component of combination treatment. Details will be presented today at the
'This analysis shows that patients with polycythemia vera are often not receiving appropriate treatment, thereby potentially exposing these patients to life-threatening risks such as the risk of experiencing thrombotic events,' commented Srdan Verstovsek, M.D, Ph.D., research co-author and Director of the
The large scale analysis with 4,264 patients analyzed indicated that only 22 percent of a representative population of patients had hematocrit values maintained below the NCCN recommended guideline level of 45 percent. A majority of patients in the high risk population received treatment with phlebotomy alone, and hematocrit levels were often above recommended levels, and nearly half (49 percent) of patients had hematocrit levels substantially above recommended levels (above 50 percent) at least once during the observation period. Consistent with inadequate hematocrit control, a high incidence of thrombotic events was observed in patients receiving treatment.
'Our interpretation of these results is that there is a significant unmet need for effective treatment options for patients with polycythemia vera,' commented
About Polycythemia Vera
Polycythemia vera is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized primarily by the increased production of red blood cells. Well-established treatment guidelines focus on maintaining hematocrit levels continuously below 45 percent to reduce the risk of thrombotic events. Unfortunately, current treatment options are unable to maintain hematocrit to below the 45 percent target for many patients and may be associated with serious side effects. There are an estimated 100,000 patients with polycythemia vera in the
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