Emerging treatments

Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors

JAK2 inhibitors may be particularly effective in those with intractable pruritus, severe constitutional symptoms, or marked splenomegaly. Ruxolitinib, a JAK 1/2 inhibitor, may potentially have a role in treating patients with essential thrombocythaemia (ET) with significant symptom burden who exhaust, or are intolerant to, existing treatment options.[38][66]​​ Results from a phase II randomised trial comparing ruxolitinib with best available therapy in patients with ET resistant/intolerant to hydroxycarbamide suggest some clinical efficacy, with improved symptom control.[67] Ruxolitinib was, however, not superior to current second-line treatment.[67]

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