Dr Ross Levine presented results from a study on targeting the JAK-STAT pathway in myeloproliferative neoplasms at the EHA 2013.

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are clonal blood disorders characterised by excessive production of mature blood cells.

Patients present with large spleens, systemic symptoms, and high levels of circulating inflammatory cytokines.

The identification of somatic mutations in JAK2, MPL and LNK in the majority of MPN patients led to the development of JAK kinase inhibitors.

JAK1/2 inhibitors improve splenomegaly and systemic symptoms, however the mechanism by which this occurs in patients has not been elucidated.

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