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Tiwari N, Singh A, Singh B, Verma SP, Tripathi AK. Ruxolitinib and tuberculosis: A case report with brief review. Indian J Tuberc 2022; 69:354-358. [PMID: 35760486 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijtb.2021.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
JAK 2 inhibitors are widely used for the treatment of primary myelofibrosis. Ruxolitinib is the most commonly used JAK inhibitor in clinical practice. We report two cases of Primary Myelofibrosis who developed tuberculosis on active treatment with ruxolitinib. Our first case was a 48 year male who developed disseminated tuberculosis during fourth month of treatment and second case was a 50 year male developing tubercular lymphadenitis during second month of treatment respectively. These case reports indicate reactivation of underling tubercular infection as a very dreaded complication of this treatment. The prevalence of tuberculosis is much higher in India compared to the west. A thorough pretreatment evaluation should ideally be done using Mantoux test or interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) to rule out latent tuberculosis. Furthermore, the patients should be counselled regarding the possibility of reactivation of infections including tuberculosis. Also, proper follow up is the need of hour in all patients on any kind of immunomodulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neema Tiwari
- Department of Clinical Hematology, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | - Aparajita Singh
- Department of Clinical Hematology, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | - Bhupendra Singh
- Department of Clinical Hematology, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | | | - Anil Kumar Tripathi
- Department of Clinical Hematology, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, India
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2
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Ogai A, Yagi K, Ito F, Domoto H, Shiomi T, Chin K. Fatal Disseminated Tuberculosis and Concurrent Disseminated Cryptococcosis in a Ruxolitinib-treated Patient with Primary Myelofibrosis: A Case Report and Literature Review. Intern Med 2022; 61:1271-1278. [PMID: 34565769 PMCID: PMC9107979 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.6436-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Ruxolitinib, a Janus kinase inhibitor, improves symptoms in patients with myelofibrosis. However, its association with the development of opportunistic infections has been a concern. We herein report a 71-year-old man with primary myelofibrosis who developed disseminated tuberculosis and concurrent disseminated cryptococcosis during ruxolitinib treatment. We also reviewed the literature on disseminated tuberculosis and/or cryptococcosis associated with ruxolitinib treatment. This is the first case of disseminated tuberculosis and concurrent disseminated cryptococcosis during treatment with ruxolitinib. We therefore suggest considering not only disseminated tuberculosis but also cryptococcosis in the differential diagnosis of patients with abnormal pulmonary shadows during ruxolitinib treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asuka Ogai
- Department of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Keiyu Hospital, Japan
| | - Kazuma Yagi
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keiyu Hospital, Japan
| | - Fumimaro Ito
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keiyu Hospital, Japan
| | | | - Tetsuya Shiomi
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Keiyu Hospital, Japan
| | - Kenko Chin
- Department of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Keiyu Hospital, Japan
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3
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Strickland M, Quek L, Psaila B. The immune landscape in BCR-ABL negative myeloproliferative neoplasms: inflammation, infections and opportunities for immunotherapy. Br J Haematol 2022; 196:1149-1158. [PMID: 34618358 PMCID: PMC9135025 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.17850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Breakpoint cluster region-Abelson (BCR-ABL) negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are chronic myeloid neoplasms initiated by the acquisition of gene mutation(s) in a haematopoietic stem cell, leading to clonal expansion and over-production of blood cells and their progenitors. MPNs encompass a spectrum of disorders with overlapping but distinct molecular, laboratory and clinical features. This includes polycythaemia vera, essential thrombocythaemia and myelofibrosis. Dysregulation of the immune system is key to the pathology of MPNs, supporting clonal evolution, mediating symptoms and resulting in varying degrees of immunocompromise. Targeting immune dysfunction is an important treatment strategy. In the present review, we focus on the immune landscape in patients with MPNs - the role of inflammation in disease pathogenesis, susceptibility to infection and emerging strategies for therapeutic immune modulation. Further detailed work is required to delineate immune perturbation more precisely in MPNs to determine how and why vulnerability to infection differs between clinical subtypes and to better understand how inflammation results in a competitive advantage for the MPN clone. These studies may help shed light on new designs for disease-modifying therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Strickland
- MRC Molecular Haematology UnitMRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of OxfordOxford
- National Institutes for Health Research Biomedical Research CentreUniversity of OxfordOxford
| | - Lynn Quek
- Department of Haematological MedicineKing's College Hospital NHS Foundation TrustLondon
- Department of Haematology, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical SciencesKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Bethan Psaila
- MRC Molecular Haematology UnitMRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of OxfordOxford
- National Institutes for Health Research Biomedical Research CentreUniversity of OxfordOxford
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4
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JAK2V617F mutation in patients with β-thalassemia disease: prevalence and clinical characteristics. Ann Hematol 2021; 100:2863-2865. [PMID: 34181056 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-021-04582-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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5
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Santoro M, Rotolo C, Accurso V, Morreale I, Mancuso S, Siragusa S. Isolated Nodal TBC Reactivation in a Patient with Post-Thrombocythemia Myelofibrosis Treated with Ruxolitinib: Case Report and Review of the Literature. Chemotherapy 2021; 66:87-91. [PMID: 33784668 DOI: 10.1159/000515430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Ruxolitinib side effects include the most frequent hematological toxicity along with a more recently evidenced immunosuppressive activity, interfering both with the innate and adaptive immunity, and several cases of reactivation of latent infections by opportunistic agents in patients in treatment with ruxolitinib have been published in the last years. Several pathophysiological mechanisms may explain an association between ruxolitinib and opportunistic infections. From what we know, the only case of an isolated lymph node TBC reactivation in a ruxolitinib-treated myelofibrosis (MF) patient was reported by Patil et al. in 2016 [Int J Med Sci Public Health. 2017;6(3):1]. Other 10 cases describing TBC reactivations in MF patients assuming ruxolitinib and successfully treated with 4-drug anti-TBC therapy are available in the literature to date. The case we reported describes an isolated lymph nodal TBC reactivation in a patient with the diagnosis of post-essential thrombocythemia-MF during ruxolitinib treatment after a long course of interferon-a (IFN-α2b) assumed for the previous diagnosis of ET. The case we report teaches that lymphadenopathy with or without constitutional symptoms developing during ruxolitinib therapy should be considered as a possible manifestation of a TBC reactivation in patients with a previous positive TBC-exposure test. In these cases, Ziel-Nielsen testing on urine and sputum has to be performed to rule out infectiousness and eventually isolate the patient. Moreover, previous long-time exposition to IFN-α2b may be related with a higher risk for TBC reactivation in these subset of patients. We encourage reevaluation of the cohorts of patients treated with ruxolitinib in previous and current large prospective studies to study the possible correlation between previous exposition to IFN-α2b and TBC reactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Santoro
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Stomatological Disciplines, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Cristina Rotolo
- Hematology Unit, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Accurso
- Hematology Unit, University Hospital "Paolo Giaccone,", Palermo, Italy
| | - Ilaria Morreale
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Department of Hospital General Services, University Hospital "Paolo Giaccone,", Palermo, Italy
| | - Salvatrice Mancuso
- Hematology Unit, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Sergio Siragusa
- Hematology Unit, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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6
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Peng Y, Meng L, Hu X, Han Z, Hong Z. Tuberculosis in Patients with Primary Myelofibrosis During Ruxolitinib Therapy: Case Series and Literature Review. Infect Drug Resist 2020; 13:3309-3316. [PMID: 33061478 PMCID: PMC7532060 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s267997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The selective Janus-activated kinase inhibitor ruxolitinib (rux) is now widely used to treat myelofibrosis and polycythemia vera due to its remarkable effect of reducing splenomegaly and improving constitutional symptoms. With opportunistic infections secondary to rux constantly reported; however, an increasing number of studies have begun to investigate the mechanism and underlying immunosuppressive effect of rux. Case Presentation We report two cases of tuberculosis (TB) in primary myelofibrosis patients during rux therapy. The first patient received rux soon after diagnosis, and tracheobronchial TB (TBTB) and bronchoesophageal fistula were found after 4 months. After discontinuation of rux, antituberculosis therapy (ATT) was introduced. The second patient initiated rux due to progressive splenomegaly after 7.5 years of interferon therapy and was diagnosed with disseminated TB after 2 months. He received ATT as well. His rux was maintained due to the high burden of systematic symptoms and splenomegaly. Both myelofibrosis and TB were well controlled in these patients. Conclusion This is the first case report that describes rux-related TBTB accompanied by a bronchoesophageal fistula. Through a review of the literature, we provide supporting evidence to the finding that intrinsic disorders of myeloproliferative neoplasms and rux-induced immunologic deregulation together lead to TB. We highlight the importance of screening for latent TB infection and timely chemoprophylaxis before rux therapy. Once TB is diagnosed during treatment, rux is recommended to be stopped and active ATT should begin quickly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhou Peng
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Meng
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuemei Hu
- Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiqiang Han
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenya Hong
- Department of Hematology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China
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Sakiyama E, Chinen Y, Tsukamoto T, Takimoto-Shimomura T, Kuwahara-Ota S, Matsumura-Kimoto Y, Shimura Y, Kobayashi T, Horiike S, Kuroda J. Tuberculosis Peritonitis During Treatment of Polycythemia Vera with Ruxolitinib. Infect Drug Resist 2020; 13:1017-1021. [PMID: 32308443 PMCID: PMC7152536 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s249030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Ruxolitinib is a selective JAK1/2 inhibitor that is widely used for the treatment of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), including myelofibrosis and polycythemia vera (PV). Despite its clinical efficacy for MPNs, ruxolitinib possesses immunosuppressive properties that potentially increase the risks for opportunistic infection, such as mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection, and reactivation of occult viral infection. Herein, we report the case of a 76-year-old male with PV who developed tuberculosis peritonitis under ruxolitinib therapy for 28 weeks. While previous studies and case reports have suggested an increased risk of MTB infection of various organs during ruxolitinib treatment of MPNs, this case is apparently the first of tuberculosis peritonitis in a patient with MPN treated with ruxolitinib. A review of previous case reports suggests the need for careful observation for MTB from the relatively early phase of ruxolitinib treatment, given that the median duration from the start of ruxolitinib treatment to the emergence of MTB was 20 weeks (range: 3-88 weeks). Clinicians should consider tuberculosis peritonitis as a differential diagnosis when patients with MPN treated with ruxolitinib develop infectious abdominal symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiko Sakiyama
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Chinen
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Taku Tsukamoto
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tomoko Takimoto-Shimomura
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Saeko Kuwahara-Ota
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yayoi Matsumura-Kimoto
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuji Shimura
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Kobayashi
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shigeo Horiike
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Junya Kuroda
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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8
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Sant'Antonio E, Bonifacio M, Breccia M, Rumi E. A journey through infectious risk associated with ruxolitinib. Br J Haematol 2019; 187:286-295. [PMID: 31468506 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.16174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Ruxolitinib has proved to be effective for the treatment of patients with myelofibrosis (either primary or secondary) and polycythaemia vera, and its approval led to a significant change in the current treatment algorithm. Despite its efficacy and beyond its well described haematological toxicity, a peculiar immunosuppressive effect emerged as our clinical experience grew, both within and outside of a clinical trial setting. Definite and negative interactions with multiple pathways of the immune system of patients have been reported so far, involving both adaptive and innate immune responses. These pathophysiological mechanisms may contribute to the increased risk of reactivation of silent infections (e.g., tuberculosis, hepatitis B virus and varicella zoster virus) that have been associated with the drug. Even though such infectious events may be fatal or may lead to significant impairment of organ function, compromising the eligibility of patients for an allotransplant procedure, there are no dedicated guidelines that may help us in assessing and managing the risk of developing serious infections. On this basis, our aim for the present work was to review the current knowledge on the pathophysiological mechanisms through which ruxolitinib may exert its immunosuppressive effect, and to illustrate our personal approach to the management of three peculiar clinical scenarios, for which a risk-based algorithm is suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Sant'Antonio
- Department of Oncology, Division of Haematology, Azienda USL Toscana Nord Ovest, Lucca, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Breccia
- Division of Cellular Biotechnologies and Haematology, University Sapienza, Roma, Italy
| | - Elisa Rumi
- Department of Haematology Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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9
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Maschmeyer G, De Greef J, Mellinghoff SC, Nosari A, Thiebaut-Bertrand A, Bergeron A, Franquet T, Blijlevens NMA, Maertens JA. Infections associated with immunotherapeutic and molecular targeted agents in hematology and oncology. A position paper by the European Conference on Infections in Leukemia (ECIL). Leukemia 2019; 33:844-862. [PMID: 30700842 PMCID: PMC6484704 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-019-0388-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 12/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
A multitude of new agents for the treatment of hematologic malignancies has been introduced over the past decade. Hematologists, infectious disease specialists, stem cell transplant experts, pulmonologists and radiologists have met within the framework of the European Conference on Infections in Leukemia (ECIL) to provide a critical state-of-the-art on infectious complications associated with immunotherapeutic and molecular targeted agents used in clinical routine. For brentuximab vedotin, blinatumomab, CTLA4- and PD-1/PD-L1-inhibitors as well as for ibrutinib, idelalisib, HDAC inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors, ruxolitinib, and venetoclax, a detailed review of data available until August 2018 has been conducted, and specific recommendations for prophylaxis, diagnostic and differential diagnostic procedures as well as for clinical management have been developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg Maschmeyer
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Care, Klinikum Ernst von Bergmann, Charlottenstrasse 72, 14467, Potsdam, Germany.
| | - Julien De Greef
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Saint-Luc University Hospital, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Department of Hematology, Henri Mondor Teaching Hospital, Créteil, France
| | - Sibylle C Mellinghoff
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Annamaria Nosari
- Department of Hematology, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Anne Bergeron
- Department of Pneumology, Université Paris Diderot, APHP Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Tomas Franquet
- Department of Radiology, Hospital de Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Johan A Maertens
- Department of Hematology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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10
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Tsukamoto Y, Kiyasu J, Tsuda M, Ikeda M, Shiratsuchi M, Ogawa Y, Yufu Y. Fatal Disseminated Tuberculosis during Treatment with Ruxolitinib Plus Prednisolone in a Patient with Primary Myelofibrosis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Intern Med 2018; 57:1297-1300. [PMID: 29279479 PMCID: PMC5980814 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.9165-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
A 73-year-old man with primary myelofibrosis (PMF) was being treated with hydroxyurea, which was changed to ruxolitinib treatment because of worsening constitutional symptoms. Although ruxolitinib rapidly induced relief, he developed a high-grade fever. A comprehensive fever work-up found no apparent cause of the fever, except for PMF. Therefore, we increased the dose of ruxolitinib and added prednisolone, which was gradually withdrawn with resolution of the fever. However, the patient subsequently developed disseminated tuberculosis and died eight months after initiation of ruxolitinib. Our case highlights the importance of assessing and monitoring the immune status of patients receiving ruxolitinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Tsukamoto
- Department of Hematology, Iizuka Hospital, Japan
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Japan
| | - Junichi Kiyasu
- Department of Hematology, Iizuka Hospital, Japan
- Department of Clinical Research Institute, National Kyushu Cancer Center, National Hospital Organization, Japan
| | - Mariko Tsuda
- Department of Hematology, Iizuka Hospital, Japan
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Japan
| | | | - Motoaki Shiratsuchi
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Ogawa
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Japan
| | - Yuji Yufu
- Department of Hematology, Iizuka Hospital, Japan
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11
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Abstract
Primary myelofibrosis (PMF) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm classified according to the 2016 revision of World Health Organization Classification of Tumors and Haematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissue. Ruxolitinib is an oral inhibitor of Janus kinase approved in the USA for the treatment of intermediate or high-risk PMF and approved in Europe for the treatment of splenomegaly and constitutional symptoms of the disease. More recently, case reports described serious opportunistic infections in this neoplasm treated with ruxolitinib. Research studies demonstrated the immunological derangement of this compound mainly based on T, dendritic, and natural killer cell defects. The purpose of this review of the literature was to analyze the relationship among ruxolitinib, immune system and bacterial, viral, fungal, and protozoan infections. A literature search was conducted using PubMed articles published between January 2010 and November 2016. The efficacy of drug in patients with PMF was demonstrated in two phase III studies, Controlled MyeloFibrosis Study with ORal Jak inhibitor Treatment (COMFORT-I and COMFORT-II). Grade 3 and 4 neutropenia were recognized in 7.1% and 2% of patients in the ruxolitinib and placebo arm of COMFORT-I. Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia or leukopenia were observed in 8.9% and 6.3% of ruxolitinib treated patients of 5-year follow-up of COMFORT-II. In addition, leukocyte subpopulations, lymphocyte functions, or antibody deficiency were not documented in either of the studies. The complex interactions between ruxolitinib, bone marrow, immune system, and infections in PMF need further investigation, robust data from a randomized clinical trial, registry, or large case-series.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palma Manduzio
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, Haematology With BMT, IRCCS, Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Foggia, Italy
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12
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Reactivation of Pulmonary Tuberculosis following Treatment of Myelofibrosis with Ruxolitinib. Case Rep Hematol 2016; 2016:2389038. [PMID: 27843657 PMCID: PMC5097796 DOI: 10.1155/2016/2389038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Revised: 10/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ruxolitinib is widely in use for treatment of myeloproliferative disorders. It causes inhibition of the Janus kinase (JAK) signal transducer and activation of transcription (STAT) pathway, which plays a key role in the underlying pathophysiology of myeloproliferative diseases. We describe a case of reactivation pulmonary tuberculosis in a retired physician while on treatment with ruxolitinib. We also review the literature on opportunistic infections following use of ruxolitinib. Our case highlights the importance of screening for latent tuberculosis in patients from highly endemic areas prior to start of therapy with ruxolitinib.
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13
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Harrison CN, Talpaz M, Mead AJ. Ruxolitinib is effective in patients with intermediate-1 risk myelofibrosis: a summary of recent evidence. Leuk Lymphoma 2016; 57:2259-67. [PMID: 27463690 PMCID: PMC4975083 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2016.1195501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Ruxolitinib is the only therapy with an approved indication for myelofibrosis (MF), a myeloproliferative neoplasm associated with progressive bone marrow fibrosis and extramedullary hematopoiesis. Although the pivotal phase 3 COMFORT studies included only patients with intermediate-2 or high-risk MF, the US indication includes all patients with intermediate- or high-risk disease. Data from recent nonrandomized studies confirm that the benefits of ruxolitinib established in the COMFORT studies in terms of spleen size reduction and symptom improvement also extend to patients with intermediate-1 risk MF, who tend to have less advanced disease than patients with higher-risk MF. Given the disease-modifying potential of ruxolitinib therapy, timely initiation of ruxolitinib therapy may not only improve patients' current clinical status but also lead to better long-term outcomes. The decision of whether or when to initiate ruxolitinib treatment should be based on the expected benefit-risk ratio for each patient, specifically considering potential adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire N Harrison
- a Department of Haematology , Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust , London , UK
| | - Moshe Talpaz
- b Comprehensive Cancer Center , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI , USA
| | - Adam J Mead
- c MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre , University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
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