Targeted Therapies Transforming Polycythemia Vera Treatment in 2025
Polycythemia vera (PV), a rare blood cancer characterized by the overproduction of red blood cells, has traditionally been managed with therapeutic phlebotomy and cytoreductive agents such as hydroxyurea. However, 2025 marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of PV treatment, as advances in targeted therapies are fundamentally transforming the clinical landscape. These novel approaches are not only enhancing disease control and improving patient outcomes, but also addressing the molecular drivers of the disease, offering hope for more personalized and durable treatments.
Understanding Polycythemia Vera and Its Challenges
Polycythemia vera is classified as a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN), a group of disorders that result in the excessive production of blood cells. The disease is largely driven by a mutation in the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) gene—specifically, the V617F mutation, which is present in approximately 95% of PV patients. This mutation leads to continuous activation of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, promoting abnormal cell growth…