Purpose: Conventional management of low-risk polycythemia vera (PV), consisting of phlebotomy and aspirin, often fails to adequately control symptoms and hematologic parameters. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of ropeginterferon alfa-2b (Ropeg) in low-risk PV patients requiring cytoreductive therapy.
Materials and methods: In this sub-analysis of an open-label, multicenter trial, 42 patients received Ropeg for 48 weeks. The primary endpoint was a reduction in phlebotomy frequency, while secondary endpoints included complete hematologic response (CHR), changes in JAK2V617F allele burden, and safety.
Results: Among 42 patients, Ropeg significantly reduced mean phlebotomy frequency per year from 3.0 to 0.5 (p < 0.05) and improved CHR rates (69.1% at 48 weeks). The JAK2V617F allele burden decreased, and hydroxyurea-naïve patients showed better responses. The most frequently reported treatment-related adverse events included elevated liver enzymes and alopecia. Most adverse events were mild or moderate, with no grade 4 or 5 events reported.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that Ropeg is a promising treatment option for low-risk PV by effectively reducing the need for phlebotomy and demonstrating efficacy and safety.
Keywords: Phlebotomy; Polycythemia vera; Ropeginterferon alfa-2b.