Mechanistically, myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), comprising primary myelofibrosis (MF), polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET), were a mystery for many decades. The breakthrough discovery of near-universal upregulation of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway as the driving force in MPNs triggered a wave of research that has drastically improved our understanding, and consequently broadened treatment options. Developing targeted therapies, particularly in settings of unmet need such as early-stage disease and second-line options, is an extensive area of investigation, with many novel classes in trials.

The annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) consistently highlights biological and clinical updates in the MPNs field. The virtual 2020 ASH meeting was no exception, with emphases on significant genomic advances and emerging therapies.

In this latest exclusive, MPNs Session, we welcome Ruben Mesa, MD, UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson Cancer Center, San Antonio, TX; Claire Harrison, MD, FRCP, FRCPath, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; Srdan Verstovsek, MD, PhD, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX; and Naveen Pemmaraju, MD, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX. Our leading experts debate key updates in the treatment and management of MPNs following the ASH 2020 virtual meeting. In particular, they explore clonal evolution discoveries, as well as promising therapeutic strategies for PV, MF, ET and rarer MPNs.

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