Effect of ruxolitinib therapy on the quality-of-life of Japanese patients with myelofibrosis.

OBJECTIVES

Myelofibrosis (MF) is associated with a significant symptom burden that severely impacts patient quality-of-life (QoL). Ruxolitinib, a potent Janus kinase 1 (JAK1)/JAK2 inhibitor, led to substantial improvements in splenomegaly, MF-associated symptoms, and QoL in the phase 3 COMFORT studies, proving superior to placebo and best available therapy. This study evaluated the effect of ruxolitinib on symptoms and QoL in Japanese patients with MF.

METHODS

A pooled analysis of studies A2202 (NCT01392443) and AJP01 (NCT02087059) of ruxolitinib in Japanese patients with MF (n = 81) was conducted. Changes in total symptom score (TSS) and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 were summarized.

RESULTS

Most patients received a starting dose of 15 or 20 mg twice daily (BID) and had a final titrated dose of ≥10 mg BID. Overall, 67.7% (44/65) achieved a ≥50% reduction from baseline in TSS at week 24. Reductions in TSS were seen in every dose group; the greatest reductions occurred in patients with a final titrated dose of 20 or 25 mg BID. Improvements in QoL were seen in patients who achieved a ≥50% reduction in TSS. Generally, improvements in TSS and individual symptoms correlated with reductions in spleen size, with those having a ≥35% reduction in spleen volume having the greatest improvements.

CONCLUSIONS

Consistent with COMFORT-I, ruxolitinib provided substantial improvements in symptoms and QoL in Japanese patients with MF, with higher doses of ruxolitinib associated with better responses.