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Question for 2025 and ET Patients

Posted by carr62 @carr62, Jul 1 9:30am

Just wondering with regards medication in 2025 and what is being used to control ET in the modern world? Have done a little research and across Europe and the main players are; Hydroxyurea/Interferon/Jakafi/Angelride. Can anyone add to this current list? Thank you in advance for any time given to this sensitive area.

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nohrt4me | @nohrt4me | Jul 1 3:01pm

Two types of interferon, Pegasys and newer generation Besremi.

Many ET patients take baby aspirin only depending on age, clot history, and mutation type. Most docs prescribe baby aspirin along with other drugs.

Some years ago, the standard Italian protocol was Pegasys for those under 40 because it doesn't interfere with childbearing. Those over 40 were generally prescribed hydroxyurea because Pegasys caused depression. Besremi seems better tolerated.

Fewer people on Besremi in U.S. due to cost.

Jakafi and anagrelide aren't given very often for ET in the U.S. unless the hydroxyurea isn't tolerated or stops working.

Best to you. Going on my 17th year with ET, 6 on hydroxy. Always helpful to meet new long-termers. I live in Michigan, age 70, CALR+. My dad also had ET, though the mutation isn't inherited.

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janemc | @janemc | Jul 1 4:57pm

Hello, carr62!

Although it was written last year, I found this article helpful and comprehensive. This is an "open" article, so you can read it online in full.

"Essential Thrombocythemia: 2024 update on diagnosis, risk stratification, and management", by Ayalew Tefferi and others, American Journal of Hematology, 2024, volume 99, Issue 4, p.697-718.


One quote:

"In high-risk patients, first-line cytoreductive drug of choice is currently hydroxyurea (HU), a practice based on the results of randomized and carefully designed single-arm cohort studies. Efforts to improve upon HU as first-line therapy for ET have not materialized as yet and instead have suggested harmful effects for some of the alternative drugs."

Consulting with your oncologist, taking your individual circumstances into account, is the best way to determine how to deal with ET.

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carr62 | @carr62 | Jul 2 4:18am
In reply to @nohrt4me "Two types of interferon, Pegasys and newer generation Besremi. Many ET patients take baby aspirin only..." + (show)
Profile picture for nohrt4me @nohrt4me

Two types of interferon, Pegasys and newer generation Besremi.

Many ET patients take baby aspirin only depending on age, clot history, and mutation type. Most docs prescribe baby aspirin along with other drugs.

Some years ago, the standard Italian protocol was Pegasys for those under 40 because it doesn't interfere with childbearing. Those over 40 were generally prescribed hydroxyurea because Pegasys caused depression. Besremi seems better tolerated.

Fewer people on Besremi in U.S. due to cost.

Jakafi and anagrelide aren't given very often for ET in the U.S. unless the hydroxyurea isn't tolerated or stops working.

Best to you. Going on my 17th year with ET, 6 on hydroxy. Always helpful to meet new long-termers. I live in Michigan, age 70, CALR+. My dad also had ET, though the mutation isn't inherited.

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Thank you for your reply it was very helpful.
regards Chris

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