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Maffioli, Margherita

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2268-391X

Mayo Clinic

Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi

Citations 12

Impact of cytoreductive therapy in myeloproliferative neoplasm-associated splanchnic vein thrombosis
Ko, A.K. , Chrysafi, Pavlina , Zon, Rebecca L., Houghton, Damon E. , Ghorbanzadeh, Atefeh , Sastow, Dahniel, Alladi, Sai Swetha, Georgen, Maria, Prabhu, Abishta, Pachpande, Vrushali , Valisekka, Sai Sudha , Jahagirdar, Balkrishna, Peseski, Andrew M. , Gangaraju, Radhika , Zheng, Guoliang , Bhagirath, Vinai Chander, Godoy, Alejandro , Boldrini, Valentina , Betti, Silvia, Rossi, Elena, Berry, Jonathan , Maffioli, Margherita , Nayak, Amiya Ranjan , Dhawan, Rishi, Chiasakul, Thita , Lauw, Mandy N. , Tremblay, Douglas , Ko, Amica Kurniati , Chrysafi, Pavlina , How, Joan , Houghton, Damon E , Ghorbanzadeh, Atefeh , Pachpande, Vrushali , Kapoor, Sargam , Peseski, Andrew , Desai, Ruchi , Dalmia, Shreyash , Godoy, Alejandro Daniel , Iurlo, Alessandra , Cattaneo, Daniele , Vannucchi, Alessandro M , Boldrini, Valentina , De Stefano, Valerio , Ageno, Walter , Berry, Jonathan , Maffioli, Margherita , Aggarwal, Mukul , Chiasakul, Thita , Sanfilippo, Kristen , Hobbs, Gabriela S , Mascarenhas, John , Baumann Kreuziger, Lisa , Patell, Rushad D , Beckman, Joan D , Lauw, Mandy N , Zon, Rebecca L. , Sastow, Dahniel L. , Georgen, Maria R. , Bhagirath, Vinai C. , Guglielmelli, Paola , Vannucchi, Alessandro M. , Stefano, Valerio De , Betti, Silvia, Rossi, Elena, Ageno, Walter , Dhawan, Rishi , Hobbs, Gabriela , Mascarenhas, John , Hoffman, Ronald , Kreuziger, Lisa Baumann , Beckman, Joan D.

Blood Advances | August 20, 2026 | Volume: No volume available | Issue: No issue available | Pages: No page available

10.1182/bloodadvances.2026020925 Get It

Myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) patients are at risk of splanchnic vein thromboses (SVT). Prior studies have failed to demonstrate a benefit of hydroxyurea therapy in preventing recurrent thrombosis after SVT, but are limited by small sample sizes and inability to account for starting, stopping, or switching of cytoreductive therapies. To better assess the impact of cytoreductive therapy on thrombosis recurrence, we performed a retrospective cohort study of MPN-SVT patients from the international GASTRO-MPN Consortium, treating cytoreductive therapy as a time-dependent covariate. We identified 757 patients, of which 43% were treated with cytoreductive therapy. During a median follow-up of 7.4 years, 256 patients (34%) had thrombosis recurrence; 145 (19%) had SVT extension/recurrence/TIPS thrombosis, 138 (18%) an thrombosis recurrence outside the splanchnic bed (74% were venous). Additionally, 262 patients (35%) experienced clinically relevant bleeding and 170 (22%) died. After adjusting for age, sex, prior thrombosis, timing of MPN diagnosis relative to SVT, anticoagulation initiation within 30 days of SVT diagnosis, MPN type, JAK2 status, other cancers and cirrhosis, cytoreductive therapy was associated with a decreased risk of recurrent thrombosis (HR 0.67 95%CI 0.50-0.89, p=0.01). This was driven by a lower risk of SVT extension/recurrence (HR 0.62 95%CI 0.42-0.90, p=0.01) but not by extra-splanchnic thrombosis recurrence (HR 0.97 95%CI 0.72-1.30, p=0.82). In a subgroup of patients without erythrocytosis/thrombocytosis at initial SVT (n=275), cytoreductive therapy was associated with a HR 0.65 (95%CI 0.40-1.07, p=0.09) for recurrent thrombosis. These data support the use of cytoreductive therapy in MPN-SVT patients to prevent recurrent thrombosis, particularly SVT extension/recurrence.
Cytoreductive therapy reduces recurrent thrombosis in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasm-associated splanchnic vein thrombosis: A global abdominal/splanchnic thrombosis retrospective observational study (GASTRO-MPN) study of 757 patients
Tremblay, Douglas, Ko, Amica, Chrysafi, Pavlina , How, Chi-Joan, Zon, Rebecca L. , Alladi, Sai Swetha, Georgen, Maria R. , Prabhu, Abi, Pachpande, Vrushali, Valisekka, Sai Sudha , Jahagirdar, Balkrishna, Gangaraju, Radhika , Desai, Ruchi , Zheng, Guoliang , Iurlo, Alessandra, Boldrini, Valentina , Betti, Silvia, Berry, Jonathan, Maffioli, Margherita , Agarwal, Mukul, Nayak, Amiya Ranjan , Dhawan, Rishi , Chiasakul, Thita , Hoffman, R, Lauw, Mandy N. , Chrysafi, Pavlina , Houghton, Damon E. , Ghorbanzadeh, Atefeh , Sastow, Dahniel L. , Prabhu, Abi, Kapoor, Sargam , Peseski, Andrew M. , Dalmia, Shreyash , Bhagirath, Vinai C. , Iurlo, Alessandra , Cattaneo, Daniele , Guglielmelli, Paola , Vannucchi, Alessandro M. , Stefano, Valerio De , Rossi, Elena, Ageno, Walter , Agarwal, Mukul, Sanfilippo, Kristen , Hobbs, Gabriela , Kreuziger, Lisa Baumann , Patell, Rushad D , Beckman, Joan D.

Blood | December 4, 2025 | Volume: 146 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 1026-1026

10.1182/blood-2025-1026 Get It

Abstract Background Patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are at risk of splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT). Prior studies failed to demonstrate a benefit of hydroxyurea in preventing SVT extension/recurrence, but these were limited by small sample sizes and inability to account for starting, stopping, or switching of cytoreductive therapies. We therefore investigated the role of cytoreduction as a time-dependent covariate on thrombosis recurrence in a large, international cohort of MPN-SVT patients. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of MPN-SVT patients included in the international GASTRO-MPN consortium. Patients diagnosed with MPN at any time before, concurrently with, or up to 60 days after initial SVT were included. Primary outcome was time from initial SVT to first thrombosis recurrence, defined as the composite of SVT extension/recurrence, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) thrombosis, or venous/arterial thrombosis outside the splanchnic veins. Secondary outcomes included SVT extension/recurrence, TIPS thrombosis or extra-SVT thrombosis individually, clinically relevant bleeding (composite of major and clinically relevant non-major bleeding), MPN progression to myelofibrosis or blast phase, and death. Cytoreductive therapy was treated as a time-dependent covariate to account for discontinuation and therapy changes. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results A total of 757 patients were included for this analysis. Median age was 51 years (IQR 38-62), 59% were female. SVT involved the portomesenteric veins in 558 (77%) patients, hepatic veins in 95 (13%), and both in 54 (7.4%). MPN was known prior to initial SVT in 316 patients (42%) and diagnosed concurrently or up to 60 days after SVT in 441 (58%). Polycythemia vera (PV) was the most common MPN subtype (43%), followed by essential thrombocythemia (ET) in 24%, and primary myelofibrosis in 14%. JAK2V617F mutation was present in 86% and CALR in 2.9%. 13% had prior non-SVT thrombosis. 607 patients (83%) were treated with cytoreduction. At time of SVT, 131 patients (17%) were already on cytoreduction; in those who started after SVT, median time to initiation was 54 days after SVT, and median duration of cytoreduction per patient was 63 months. Cytoreductive therapies used at any point in treatment included hydroxyurea in 504 (69%), ruxolitinib in 182 (25%), and interferon-based in 85 (12%) patients. Anticoagulation (AC) was started within 30 days after SVT in 504 (68%) patients. Median duration of any AC per patient was 24.6 months. During a median follow up of 7.4 years, 245 patients (33%) had thrombosis recurrence; 143 (20%) had SVT extension/recurrence/TIPS thrombosis, 129 (18%) extra-SVT thrombosis (of which 74% venous), 237 patients (32%) experienced clinically relevant bleeding, and 163 (22%) died. After adjusting for age, sex, timing of MPN diagnosis relative to SVT diagnosis, AC within 30 days of SVT, PV/ET vs other MPN, JAK2 mutation, previous thrombosis, non-MPN cancer, and cirrhosis, cytoreductive therapy was associated with a significantly decreased risk of recurrent thrombosis (HR 0.67 95%CI 0.50-0.89, p=0.01). Age was associated with an increased risk of recurrent thrombosis (p=0.01). When considering types of recurrent thrombosis, cytoreduction was associated with a decreased risk of SVT extension/recurrence/TIPS thrombosis (HR 0.62 95%CI 0.42-0.90, p=0.01), but not thrombosis outside the splanchnic veins (HR 0.97 95%CI 0.72-1.30, p=0.82). There was no association between cytoreduction and bleeding (HR 1.10 95%CI 0.82-1.47, p=0.52). Similarly, there was no association between cytoreduction and time to MPN progression (p=0.24) or overall survival (p=0.30). In a subgroup of patients without erythrocytosis/thrombocytosis at initial SVT (n=271), cytoreductive therapy was associated with a HR 0.65 (95%CI 0.40-1.10, p=0.09) for recurrent thrombosis. Limited sample size and low event-rate precluded evaluation of the impact of individual cytoreductive therapies. Conclusions In the largest cohort of MPN-SVT patients to date, we show for the first time that cytoreductive therapy is associated with a decreased risk of thrombosis recurrence, driven largely by decreased SVT extension/recurrence/TIPS thrombosis. Collectively, these findings support use of cytoreductive therapy in individuals with MPN-SVT to prevent recurrent thrombosis.
The MDM2 antagonist idasanutlin in patients with polycythemia vera: results from a single-arm phase 2 study
Mascarenhas, John , Passamonti, Francesco , Burbury, Kate , El‐Galaly, Tarec Christoffer , Gerds, Aaron T. , Gupta, Vikas , Higgins, Brian , Wonde, Kathrin, Jamois, Candice , Kovic, Bruno, Huw, Ling‐Yuh, Katakam, Sudhakar Babu, Maffioli, Margherita , Palmer, Jeanne , Bellini, Marta, Yacoub, Abdulraheem , Gerds, Aaron T , Mesa, Ruben , Ross, David M , Vannucchi, Alessandro M , Yacoub, Abdulraheem , Mascarenhas, John , Gupta, Vikas , Passamonti, Francesco , El-Galaly, Tarec C , Mesa, Ruben A. , Vannucchi, Alessandro M.

Blood Advances | December 21, 2021 | Volume: 6 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 1162-1174

10.1182/bloodadvances.2021006043 Get It

Abstract Idasanutlin, an MDM2 antagonist, showed clinical activity and a rapid reduction in JAK2 V617F allele burden in patients with polycythemia vera (PV) in a phase 1 study. This open-label phase 2 study evaluated idasanutlin in patients with hydroxyurea (HU)-resistant/-intolerant PV, per the European LeukemiaNet criteria, and phlebotomy dependence; prior ruxolitinib exposure was permitted. Idasanutlin was administered once daily on days 1 through 5 of each 28-day cycle. The primary end point was composite response (hematocrit control and spleen volume reduction > 35%) in patients with splenomegaly and hematocrit control in patients without splenomegaly at week 32. Key secondary end points included safety, complete hematologic response (CHR), patient-reported outcomes, and molecular responses. All patients (n = 27) received idasanutlin; 16 had response assessment (week 32). Among responders with baseline splenomegaly (n = 13), 9 (69%) attained any spleen volume reduction, and 1 achieved composite response. Nine patients (56%) achieved hematocrit control, and 8 patients (50%) achieved CHR. Overall, 43% of evaluable patients (6/14) showed a ≥50% reduction in the Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Symptom Assessment Form Total Symptom Score (week 32). Nausea (93%), diarrhea (78%), and vomiting (41%) were the most common adverse events, with grade ≥ 3 nausea or vomiting experienced by 3 patients (11%) and 1 patient (4%), respectively. Reduced JAK2 V617F allele burden occurred early (after 3 cycles), with a median reduction of 76%, and was associated with achieving CHR and hematocrit control. Overall, the idasanutlin dosing regimen showed clinical activity and rapidly reduced JAK2 allele burden in patients with HU-resistant/- intolerant PV but was associated with low-grade gastrointestinal toxicity, leading to poor long-term tolerability. This trial was registered at www.clinincaltrials.gov as #NCT03287245.
Molecular Response Patterns in Hydroxyurea (HU)-Resistant or Intolerant Polycythemia Vera (PV) during Treatment with Idasanutlin: Results of an Open-Label, Single-Arm Phase 2 Study
Burbury, Kate , Higgins, Brian, Huw, Ling‐Yuh, Maffioli, Margherita , Palmer, Jeanne , Rambaldi, Alessandro , Yacoub, Abdulraheem , Rambaldi, Alessandro , Passamonti, Francesco , El‐Galaly, Tarec Christoffer , Gerds, Aaron T. , Gupta, Vikas , Mesa, Ruben A. , Ross, David M , Vannucchi, Alessandro M. , Mascarenhas, John

Blood | February 8, 2021 | Volume: 136 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 38-40

10.1182/blood-2020-136135 Get It

Background Activating mutations in JAK2 are the molecular hallmark of PV. However, achieving molecular remission is not a validated endpoint in PV, as its correlation with patient-relevant endpoints, such as thrombotic events or disease progression, is not well established. The expression of MDM2, a negative regulator of wild-type p53, is significantly higher in CD34+ cells from patients with PV vs those from healthy controls. Therefore, MDM2 antagonists such as idasanutlin (idasa) may have selective and potentially disease-modifying effects in PV. This exploratory analysis reports baseline mutational profiling and serial measurements of JAK2 V617F variant allele frequency (VAF) from patients treated with idasa in the Phase II NP39761 study (NCT03287245). Methods Patients with PV, as defined by the 2016 World Health Organization criteria, were eligible for inclusion if their disease was HU resistant/intolerant according to European LeukemiaNet criteria and they were phlebotomy dependent (≥ 1 phlebotomy in the 16-wk period prior to screening). Prior PV therapy with ruxolitinib and/or interferon was allowed. Idasa was given orally once daily on days 1-5 of 28-day cycles for up to 24 mo. The starting dose was 150 mg, but dose increase (to 200 mg) or decrease (to 100 mg) was allowed per protocol-defined criteria. The primary efficacy endpoints were hematocrit control (HTC), defined as maintaining acceptable hematocrit levels with ≤ 1 phlebotomy between cycle 1, day 1 (C1D1) and wk 8 and no phlebotomy after wk 8, and complete hematologic remission (CHR), defined as HTC together with platelets < 400 × 109/L and white blood cell count < 109/L on the day of response assessment (or most recent test). JAK2 V617F VAF was analyzed at screening and at C3D28, C5D28 and wk 32. The JAK2 V617F VAF was determined using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Baseline blood samples were sequenced using the Foundation Medicine FoundationOne Heme next-generation sequencing panel, which interrogates > 400 DNA-sequenced genes, to explore the genetic landscape of PV beyond JAK2 V617F. Results All 27 patients enrolled in the study harbored JAK2 V617F. Baseline and ≥ 1 later JAK2 VAF measurements were available in 23 patients, allowing for analysis. The median age was 56 y (range, 34-74), and 7 patients (26%) had been previously treated with ruxolitinib. Median treatment duration was 257 days (range, 5-677), and the median number of treatment cycles was 8 (range, 1-22). JAK2 V617F VAFs at baseline were highly variable, ranging from 7% to 96% (median, 66%). A reduction in JAK2 V617F VAF was observed as early as after 3 cycles (median reduction, 39%; n = 19) and was sustained in patients receiving treatment, with a median reduction of 58% at C5D28 (n = 17) and of 76% at wk 32 (n = 13). The median reductions in JAK2 V617F VAF were significantly higher for patients with CHR and HTC than in nonresponders on C3D28 (CHR, P < 0.01; HTC, P = 0.04) and C5D28 (CHR, P < 0.01; HTC, P = 0.03), with a similar trend also at wk 32 (CHR, P = 0.06; HTC, P = 0.19) (Figures). Baseline targeted sequencing (n = 16) identified several additional subclonal mutations. However, no TP53 mutations were detected. Variants in TET2 and ASXL1 were detected in 37% (6 of 16) and 20% (3 of 16) of patients, with VAFs of 2%-51% and 38%-50%, respectively. Notably, 68% of the patients had variants detected in 1 to 3 DNA repair genes, including ATM (VAF, 47%-52%), ATR (VAF, 49%), BRCA2 (VAF, 47%-51%), PARP1 (VAF, 52%), PARP3 (VAF, 48%), FANCM (VAF, 47%-50%), BLM (VAF, 48%) and MSH3 (VAF, 49%). In the absence of sequencing of patient-matched non-hematologic tissue and the VAFs being ≈50%, it is possible some of these variants are germline. Whether such variants predispose to PV is unknown. Conclusions Idasa has relevant clinical activity in patients with PV who are resistant to or intolerant of HU and showed rapid JAK2 V617F VAF reduction in a subset of patients as early as after 3 treatment cycles. The median JAK2 VAF reduction was significantly greater in patients who achieved CHR and HTC after 3 and 5 cycles of idasa treatment, suggesting that early molecular response was associated with higher likelihood of clinical response. Baseline mutations were seen in several genes commonly mutated in PV. A high frequency of variants in DNA repair genes has not previously been reported in PV and may contribute to genomic instability in this disease. Figure Disclosures Passamonti: Roche: Other: Support of parent study and funding of editorial support; BMS: Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Speakers Bureau. El-Galaly:F. Hoffmann-La Roche: Current Employment, Other: Support of parent study and funding of editorial support. Gerds:Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Gilead Sciences: Research Funding; CTI Biopharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Imago Biosciences: Research Funding; AstraZeneca/MedImmune: Consultancy; Roche/Genentech: Research Funding; Incyte Corporation: Consultancy, Research Funding; Pfizer: Research Funding; Apexx Oncology: Consultancy; Sierra Oncology: Research Funding. Gupta:Incyte: Honoraria, Research Funding; Bristol MyersSquibb: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Sierra Oncology: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Pfizer: Consultancy. Higgins:Roche: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Other: Support of parent study and funding of editorial support. Huw:Roche: Current Employment, Other: Support of parent study and funding of editorial support. Maffioli:Roche: Other: Support of parent study and funding of editorial support. Mesa:Sierra Oncology: Consultancy; Incyte: Research Funding; Samus Therapeutics: Research Funding; Promedior: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy; CTI BioPharma: Research Funding; LaJolla Pharmaceutical Company: Consultancy; AbbVie: Research Funding; Bristol Myers Squibb: Research Funding. Rambaldi:Roche: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Support of parent study and funding of editorial support. Received travel support., Research Funding; Sanofi: Honoraria, Other: TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATIONS, EXPENSES (paid by any for-profit health care company); Astellas: Honoraria, Other: TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATIONS, EXPENSES (paid by any for-profit health care company); Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATIONS, EXPENSES (paid by any for-profit health care company); Gilead: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Travel support from Gilead.; BMS/Celgene: Honoraria, Other: TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATIONS, EXPENSES (paid by any for-profit health care company); Pfizer: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATIONS, EXPENSES (paid by any for-profit health care company). Advisory board and speaker fees from Pfizer.; Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATIONS, EXPENSES (paid by any for-profit health care company). Research grant from Amgen Inc.; Omeros: Honoraria, Other: TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATIONS, EXPENSES (paid by any for-profit health care company); University of Milan: Current Employment. Vannucchi:Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Incyte: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Blueprint: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene/BMS: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; AbbVie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Yacoub:Incyte: Speakers Bureau; Hylapharm: Current equity holder in private company; Cara Therapeutics: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; Dynavax: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; Agios: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Speakers Bureau; Roche: Other: Support of parent study and funding of editorial support; Ardelyx: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company. Mascarenhas:Celgene, Prelude, Galecto, Promedior, Geron, Constellation, and Incyte: Consultancy; Incyte, Kartos, Roche, Promedior, Merck, Merus, Arog, CTI Biopharma, Janssen, and PharmaEssentia: Other: Research funding (institution).
Safety and Efficacy of Idasanutlin in Patients (pts) with Hydroxyurea (HU)-Resistant/Intolerant Polycythemia Vera (PV): Results of an International Phase II Study
Higgins, Brian, Anders, Doreen, Burbury, Kate , Kovic, Bruno, Maffioli, Margherita , Palmer, Jeanne , Rambaldi, Alessandro , Yacoub, Abdulraheem , Rambaldi, Alessandro , Mascarenhas, John , El‐Galaly, Tarec Christoffer , Gerds, Aaron T. , Gupta, Vikas , Mesa, Ruben A. , Passamonti, Francesco , Ross, David M , Vannucchi, Alessandro M.

Blood | February 6, 2021 | Volume: 136 | Issue: Supplement 1 | Pages: 29-31

10.1182/blood-2020-135868 Get It

Background PV is a clonal myeloid neoplasm characterized by activating mutations in JAK2 and increased red blood cell production. Reduction of thrombosis risk through lowering of hematocrit (Hct) and thus blood viscosity is critical, but management of constitutional symptoms is also important. HU is an effective and well-tolerated first-line treatment (tx) for PV, but pts who develop resistance to or intolerance of HU have limited tx options. A Phase I study of idasanutlin, an MDM2 antagonist leading to increased p53 activity, showed encouraging efficacy and potential disease-modifying effects via rapid reduction in JAK2 V617F variant allele frequency in 11 pts with PV. These results prompted the larger, international Phase II study of idasanutlin in HU-resistant/intolerant PV (NCT03287245); data from the initial phase of the study are reported here. Methods Pts meeting the 2016 WHO criteria for PV were eligible for inclusion if they had HU-resistant/intolerant disease according to the European LeukemiaNet (ELN) criteria and were phlebotomy dependent (≥ 1 phlebotomy in the 16-wk period prior to screening). Prior PV tx with ruxolitinib (rux) or interferon was allowed. Idasanutlin was given orally once daily on days 1-5 of 28-day cycles for up to 24 mo. The starting dose was 150 mg; increase to 200 mg was allowed for non-responders at cycle 3, day 28, and reduction to 100 mg was permitted for toxicity and for pts treated beyond cycle 12. Antiemetic prophylaxis was mandatory in cycle 1 throughout the study and later became mandatory in all cycles. The primary endpoint (wk 32) was the composite response of Hct control (HTC) and spleen volume reduction > 35% by CT/MRI in pts with splenomegaly (> 450 cm3) and HTC alone in pts without splenomegaly. Key secondary endpoints included safety, complete hematologic response (CHR; defined as HTC and normalization of platelets/leukocytes) and ELN response. Results A total of 27 pts were included in this study and received tx with idasanutlin. Median age was 56 years (range, 34-74) and 16 pts (59.3%) were male (Table 1). All pts had JAK2 V617F mutation; 7 had previous exposure to rux. Median tx duration was 257 days (range, 5-677); the median number of treatment cycles was 8 (range, 1-23). Dose modifications occurred in 17 pts (63.0%; Table 2). A total of 3 serious AEs occurred: atrial flutter, atrial fibrillation and nausea/vomiting (n = 1 each). The serious cardiac AEs occurred in pts with pre-existing hypertension and a past incident of heart failure not symptomatic upon enrollment, respectively. No deaths, transformation to acute myeloid leukemia, progression to myelofibrosis or thrombotic events occurred during the study. AEs occurring in ≥ 15% of pts are listed in Table 3; gastrointestinal toxicity and fatigue were the most common events. The population for primary endpoint evaluation consisted of pts with response assessed at wk 32 (n = 16). One of 13 pts with baseline splenomegaly achieved a composite response (7.7%; Table 4). Nine of 16 pts (56.3%) among all evaluable pts achieved HTC: 6 of 11 rux-naive pts (54.5%) and 3 of 5 rux-exposed pts (60.0%). Eight of 13 pts (61.5%) among all pts had HTC duration ≥ 12 wk beyond wk 32: 5 of 9 rux-naive pts (55.6%) and 3 of 4 rux-exposed pts (75.0%). At wk 32, 8 of 16 pts (50.0%) achieved a CHR, with 6 of 13 (46.2%) having a CHR duration ≥ 12 wk beyond wk 32. Overall response rates per modified ELN response criteria in pts with baseline splenomegaly, pts without baseline splenomegaly and in all pts were 69.2% (9 of 13), 66.7% (2 of 3) and 68.8% (11 of 16), respectively; 9 of 15 pts (60%) among all pts had a response duration ≥ 12 wk beyond wk 32. Median (range) laboratory value changes at wk 32 were: platelets, −253 × 109/L (−2083 to +175) and leukocytes, −4.8 × 109/L (−25.3 to +3.4). At wk 32, 6 of 14 pts (42.9%) had a ≥ 50% reduction in the Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Symptom Assessment Form Total Symptom Score. Conclusions Idasanutlin showed relevant clinical activity in pts with HU-resistant/intolerant PV and also in a subset of pts with prior rux tx. However, the low-grade gastrointestinal toxicity profile of idasanutlin was not effectively mitigated with antiemetic prophylaxis and led to frequent discontinuations. These results iterate the importance of tolerability of novel therapies administered over the long term for pts with PV. Disclosures Mascarenhas: Celgene, Prelude, Galecto, Promedior, Geron, Constellation, and Incyte: Consultancy; Incyte, Kartos, Roche, Promedior, Merck, Merus, Arog, CTI Biopharma, Janssen, and PharmaEssentia: Other: Research funding (institution). Higgins:Roche: Current Employment, Current equity holder in publicly-traded company, Other: Support of parent study and funding of editorial support. Anders:Roche: Current Employment, Other: Support of parent study and funding of editorial support. Burbury:Roche: Other: Support of parent study and funding of editorial support. El-Galaly:F. Hoffmann-La Roche: Current Employment, Other: Support of parent study and funding of editorial support. Gerds:Roche/Genentech: Research Funding; Apexx Oncology: Consultancy; AstraZeneca/MedImmune: Consultancy; Pfizer: Research Funding; Imago Biosciences: Research Funding; Gilead Sciences: Research Funding; Incyte Corporation: Consultancy, Research Funding; Sierra Oncology: Research Funding; CTI Biopharma: Consultancy, Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding. Gupta:Pfizer: Consultancy; Incyte: Honoraria, Research Funding; Bristol MyersSquibb: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Sierra Oncology: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding. Kovic:Roche: Other: Support of parent study and funding of editorial support. Maffioli:Roche: Other: Support of parent study and funding of editorial support. Mesa:AbbVie: Research Funding; Sierra Oncology: Consultancy; CTI BioPharma: Research Funding; LaJolla Pharmaceutical Company: Consultancy; Bristol Myers Squibb: Research Funding; Genentech: Research Funding; Samus Therapeutics: Research Funding; Promedior: Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy; Incyte: Research Funding. Rambaldi:Roche: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Support of parent study and funding of editorial support. Received travel support., Research Funding; Pfizer: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATIONS, EXPENSES (paid by any for-profit health care company). Advisory board and speaker fees from Pfizer.; Sanofi: Honoraria, Other: TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATIONS, EXPENSES (paid by any for-profit health care company); BMS/Celgene: Honoraria, Other: TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATIONS, EXPENSES (paid by any for-profit health care company); University of Milan: Current Employment; Gilead: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: Travel support from Gilead.; Novartis: Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATIONS, EXPENSES (paid by any for-profit health care company); Omeros: Honoraria, Other: TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATIONS, EXPENSES (paid by any for-profit health care company); Astellas: Honoraria, Other: TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATIONS, EXPENSES (paid by any for-profit health care company); Amgen: Consultancy, Honoraria, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Other: TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATIONS, EXPENSES (paid by any for-profit health care company). Research grant from Amgen Inc.. Vannucchi:AbbVie: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Celgene/BMS: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau; Blueprint: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Incyte: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Yacoub:Roche: Other: Support of parent study and funding of editorial support; Dynavax: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; Novartis: Speakers Bureau; Agios: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Incyte: Speakers Bureau; Hylapharm: Current equity holder in private company; Cara Therapeutics: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company; Ardelyx: Current equity holder in publicly-traded company.
Mutation-Enhanced International Prognostic Scoring System (MIPSS) for Primary Myelofibrosis: An AGIMM & IWG-MRT Project
Rotunno, Giada, Pascutto, Cristiana, Pardanani, Animesh , Ferretti, Virginia Valeria , Pacilli, Annalisa , Hanson, Curtis A. , Gangat, Naseema , Artusi, Valentina, Bernardis, Isabella , Rumi, Elisa , Maffioli, Margherita , Rosti, Vittorio , Delaini, Federica , Cervantes, Francisco , Rambaldi, Alessandro , Barbui, Tiziano , Tefferi, Ayalew , Rambaldi, Alessandro , Vannucchi, Alessandro M. , Guglielmelli, Paola , Pancrazzi, Alessandro , Lasho, Terra L. , Ketterling, Rhett P. , Tagliafico, Enrico , Manfredini, Rossella , Pietra, Daniela , Salmoiraghi, Silvia , Bosi, Alberto , Cilloni, Daniela , Passamonti, Francesco , Barosi, Giovanni , Cazzola, Mario

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 124 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 405-405

10.1182/blood.v124.21.405.405 Get It

Abstract BACKGROUND. In primary myelofibrosis (PMF), survival from time of diagnosis is predicted by the international prognostic scoring system (IPSS), and from time of referral, by the dynamic IPSS (DIPSS) or DIPSS-plus. JAK2/CALR/MPL mutational status and presence and number of other prognostically-relevant mutations (ASXL1, SRSF2, EZH2, IDH1/2) provide IPSS/DIPSS-plus independent prognostic information. The objective in the current study was to revise IPSS, by including mutation-relevant prognostic information. METHODS. The study included 986 PMF patients divided into learning (n=588) and validation (n=398) cohorts. Previously published methods were used to screen for mutations involving JAK2,MPL, CALR, EZH2, ASXL1, IDH1/2 and SRSF2. The clinical variables assessed were those previously identified as being prognostically-relevant by IPSS or DIPSS-plus. The prognostic model (MIPSS) was developed through a stepwise selection process, based on a z-test of the regression coefficients, and its relative quality was measured by means of the Akaike information criterion. RESULTS. In the Italian learning cohort (n=588),median follow-up was 3.6years (95% CI, 0.03-30.8) for alive patients and 196 (33.3%) deaths and 67 leukemic transformations were documented. IPSS risk distribution was low in 26%, intermediate-1 in 30%, intermediate-2 in 24% and high in 20%. Mutational frequencies were approximately 63% for JAK2, 20% CALR, 6% MPL, 7% EZH2, 22% ASXL1, 2.5% IDH1/2 and 9% SRSF2. Constitutional symptoms were recorded in 28.6% of patients, splenomegaly 75% (18% >10cm from LCM) and grade 3 fibrosis 21%. Overall 252 patients were evaluable for karyotype and abnormalities were detected in 35%, including 9.5% unfavorable. Univariate analysis identified the following risk factors for inferior survival: age >60 years, constitutional symptoms, hemoglobin <100g/L, leukocytes >25x109/L, platelets <200x109/L, circulating blasts 1% or greater, splenomegaly >10cm, grade 3 fibrosis, unfavorable karyotype, triple-negativity for JAK2, MPL and CALR (TN), JAK2 or MPL mutation, and mutations in ASXL1, SRSF2, EZH2 or IDH1/2. In multivariable analysis, age >60 years, constitutional symptoms, hemoglobin <100g/L, platelets <200x109/L, TN, JAK2 or MPL mutation, ASXL1 and SRSF2 mutation remained significant; these variables were subsequently assigned the following HR-weighted adverse points: 1.5, 0.5, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 0.5, 0.5 and 0.5, respectively. Subsequently, four risk groups with no overlap in the 95% CI of their survival curves were delineated (Figure 1A): low (score 0-0.5); Intermediate-1 (score 1-1.5); Intermediate-2 (score 2-3.5); and high (score 4 or greater). The number of patients in each risk category, median survivals and HR and 95% CI values are included in figure 1A. Akaike information criterion indicated that MIPSS performed better than IPSS in predicting survival (1611.6 vs 1649.0). Leukemia-free survival was also predicted by high (p<0.01) and intermediate 1/2 (p<0.01) risk MIPSS. In the Mayo Clinic validation cohort (n=398), median age 63 years; males 64%,median follow-up for alive patients was 7.5 years and 271 (68%) deaths and 51 (13%) leukemic transformations were documented. DIPSS-plus risk distribution was low in 13%, intermediate-1 18%, intermediate-2 37% and high 32%. Mutational frequencies were approximately 51% for JAK2, 30% CALR, 7.5% MPL, 5% EZH2, 36% ASXL1, 5.6% IDH1/2 and 13% SRSF2. MIPSS performed equally well in this cohort, as illustrated in figure 1B, which includes number of patients in each risk category with their median survival and HR and 95% CI values. Leukemia-free survival in the Mayo cohort was also predicted by high (p<0.01) and intermediate-2 (p=0.04) risk MIPSS. Patients in the Mayo cohort were fully annotated for karyotype, which was MIPSS-independent in its prognostic value for both overall (p<0.01) and leukemia-free (p<0.01) survival. CONCLUSIONS. MIPSS addresses the mutation-relevant prognostic information gap in IPSS and performs equally well in the setting of patients seen at time of diagnosis or referral. Karyotype carries MIPSS-independent prognostic value that is recognized in an alternative GIPSS prognostic model (see accompanying ASH 2014 abstract), which complements MIPSS. Figure 1 Figure 1. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
A PROGNOSTIC MODEL to PREDICT SURVIVAL In WHO-DEFINED ESSENTIAL THROMBOCYTHEMIA: A STUDY by the IWG-MRT (International Working Group for Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Research and Treatment)
Thiele, Jüergen, Barbui, Tiziano , Cazzola, Mario , Ruggeri, Marco , Rodeghiero, Francesco, Randi, M. L., Gisslinger, Heinz , Gangat, Naseema , Hanson, Curtis A. , Rumi, Elisa , Gianatti, Andrea , dʼAmore, Emanuele S.G. , Bertozzi, Irene , Maffioli, Margherita , Antonioli, Elisabetta , Carrai, Valentina , Buxhofer‐Ausch, Veronika , Gisslinger, Bettina, Müllauer, Leonhard , Girodon, François , Kvasnicka, Hans Michael , Pascutto, Cristiana, Tefferi, Ayalew , Cazzola, Mario , Passamonti, Francesco , Vannucchi, Alessandro M. , Boveri, Emanuela , Carobbio, Alessandra , Marino, Filippo , Caramazza, Domenica

Blood | October 13, 2019 | Volume: 118 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 1746-1746

10.1182/blood.v118.21.1746.1746 Get It

Abstract Abstract 1746 Diagnosis of essential thrombocythemia (ET) has been updated in the last World Health Organization (WHO) classification, that provides a guideline to distinguish ET from early/prefibrotic primary myelofibrosis. These two conditions differ in term of disease evolution and survival (Barbui et al, J. Clin. Oncol. 2011). To design a prognostic model for survival in WHO-defined ET (International Prognostic Score for Essential Thrombocythemia, IPSET), we studied 891 patients with strict WHO diagnostic criteria. Demographics have been presented elsewhere (Barbui et al, J. Clin. Oncol. 2011). We tested the prognostic impact on survival of age, prior thrombosis, leukocyte count, platelet count, hemoglobin level, JAK mutational status, splenomegaly. Harrell's C concordance statistics were used to set the best cutoff levels of continuous variables in order to predict survival. Univariate Cox proportional hazard regression showed that age over 60 years (P<.0001), leukocyte count greater than 11 x109/L (P<.0001), anemia (P=.04), platelet count greater than 1000 x109/L (P<.004) and prior history of thrombosis (P< 0001) were significant risk factors for survival. Age over 60 years (hazard ratio-HR- 6.5, 95% CI: 3.9–10.7; P<.0001), leukocyte count greater than 11 × 109/L (HR: 3.1, 95% CI: 2–4.7; P<.0001) and prior history of thrombosis (HR: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.9–4.5; P< 0001) retained statistical significance on survival by multivariable analysis and were included in the new prognostic model. We assigned each factor an integer weight close to the corresponding HR in the multivariable Cox regression: weight 2 for age over 60 years; weight 1 for leukocyte count greater than 11 x109/L and for prior thrombosis. Finally, we defined the IPSET score by allocating patients into three risk categories with significantly different survival according to the sum of weights: low risk (sum of weights=0; n= 342; median survival not reached), intermediate risk (sum=1-2; N=374; median survival 24.5 years), and high risk (sum=3-4, n=158; median survival 13.8 years). Fisher exact test did not reveal a difference in the distribution of the causes of death among IPSET categories. We validated the model in two independent cohorts: one from Germany (132 WHO-defined ET) and another from France (234 ET patients not strictly diagnosed according to WHO). Log rank test and Cox regression showed significant differences in term of survival among IPSET categories in both series. Finally, we designed an age-specific IPSET model for patients younger than 60 years (IPSET-y). Using the same methodology, we found that age over 45 years (weight 2), leukocyte count greater than 11 × 109/L (weight 1) and prior history of thrombosis (weight 1) were independent risk factors for survival. IPSET-y defined three risk categories (LR, sum=0; IR, sum=1-2; HR, sum=3–4) with a median survival not reached in LR and IR, and of 22.3 years in HR. In conclusion, IPSET, based on age over 60 years, leukocyte count greater than 11 x109/L and history of thrombosis allows prognostic assessment of WHO-defined ET. The validation process makes IPSET applicable in all patients phenotypically appearing as ET. IPSET models may be useful for treatment decision-making. Disclosures: Vannucchi: Italfarmaco: Consultancy; Novartis: Honoraria. Gisslinger:AOP Orphan Pharmaceuticals AG: Research Funding.
Prediction of Overall Survival in 520 Patients with Primary Myelofibrosis: Outcome Update of the Dynamic International Prognostic Scoring System (DIPSS) Patient Cohort
Maffioli, Margherita , Rumi, Elisa , Cervantes, Francisco , Morra, Enrica, Pascutto, Cristiana, Cazzola, Mario , Tefferi, Ayalew , Cazzola, Mario , Vannucchi, Alessandro M. , Passamonti, Francesco

Blood | October 11, 2019 | Volume: 120 | Issue: 21 | Pages: 1729-1729

10.1182/blood.v120.21.1729.1729 Get It

Abstract Abstract 1729 Background: Primary myelofibrosis (PMF) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm whose survival at diagnosis is predicted by the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS), which is based on the presence of the following five risk factors: age greater than 65 years, presence of constitutional symptoms, hemoglobin level below 10 g/dL, leukocyte count greater than 25 ×109/L, and circulating blast cells 1% or greater (Cervantes et al, Blood 2009). To allow dynamic prognostication at any time during follow up, we further developed the Dynamic International Prognostic Scoring System (DIPSS), based on the same IPSS-factors, but with different score values (one point for each risk factor, two points for acquisition of anemia) and with a distinct score model (low risk, LR, 0 points; intermediate-1 risk, Int-1R, 1–2 points; intermediate-2 risk, Int-2R, 3–4 points; high risk, HR, 5–6 points) (Passamonti et al, Blood 2010). The DIPSS model was also efficient in the prediction of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) evolution (Passamonti et al, Blood 2010) and in the assessment of survival and non-relapse mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Scott et al, Blood 2012). Aim: The aim of the present study is to update outcome data of PMF patients included in the original series used to generate the DIPSS model and to assess the DIPSS prediction of survival in PMF patients with a longer follow up. The Institutional Review Board approved the study, and the procedures followed were in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Patients and methods: This study was performed on 520 of 525 regularly followed DIPSS-PMF patients, as five patients have been lost to follow up after the original publication. Results: Updated median follow up was of 4.1 years (range, 0.1–30.1). At the time of analysis 326 (63%) patients died, of whom 194 due to known causes: 69 AML, 16 non-AML disease progression, 21 bleeding, 17 thrombosis, 33 infections, 38 other. Median survival was 6 years (95% CI: 5.1–6.7). DIPSS stratification allowed different survivals in PMF patients even with a longer follow-up (Figure 1). Hence, to assess the time to DIPSS-category progression, we evaluated the median time spent within each risk group. This estimate revealed that the median time spent in each risk category was: 4.9 years in LR (range, 0–26.7), 2.1 years in Int-1R (range, 0–18.7), 1.7 years in Int-2R (range, 0–13.4), and 0.74 years in HR (range, 0–13.7). To investigate the prognostic role of the DIPSS score on survival, we analyzed the score as a categorical time-dependent covariate in a Cox survival regression model: the hazard ratio of shifting category from LR to Int-1R was 5.0 (95% CI: 2.4–10.6; P <0.001), it was 3.6 when shifting from Int-1R to Int-2R (95% CI: 2.6–4.9; P <0.001), and 2.7 (95% CI: 2.0–3.6; P <0.001) from Int-2R to HR. Conclusion: The updated analysis shows that the DIPSS model continues to predict survival in patients with PMF. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Mutations and thrombosis in essential thrombocythemia: prognostic interaction with age and thrombosis history
Gangat, Naseema , Wassie, Emnet A, Finke, Christy M. , Ketterling, Rhett P. , Hanson, Curtis A. , Pardanani, Animesh , Wolanskyj, Alexandra P. , Maffioli, Margherita , Casalone, Rosario , Passamonti, Francesco , Tefferi, Ayalew , Lasho, Terra L. , Wolanskyj-Spinner, Alexandra P , Ketterling, Rhett P , Passamonti, Francesco

European Journal of Haematology | June 3, 2014 | Volume: 94 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 31-36

10.1111/ejh.12389 Get It

AbstractBackgroundVascular events in essential thrombocythemia (ET) are associated with advanced age and thrombosis history. Recent information suggests additional effect from the presence of specific mutations.ObjectivesTo examine the influence of age and thrombosis history on the reported association between mutational status and thrombosis‐free survival in ET.Patients and MethodsAnalysis was performed using a Mayo Clinic cohort of 300 ET patients, and key findings were reanalyzed by including additional 102 Italian patients.ResultsAmong 300 Mayo patients with ET (median age 55 yr, 60% females), mutational frequencies were 53% JAK2, 32% CALR, 3% MPL, and 12% JAK2, CALR and MPL wild type. One hundred and six (35%) patients experienced arterial (n = 75) or venous (n = 43) events, before (n = 55) or after (n = 71) diagnosis. In univariate analysis, compared to JAK2‐mutated cases, JAK2, CALR and MPL wild type (HR 0.31, 95% CI 0.11–0.86), and CALR‐mutated (0.53, 95% CI 0.30–0.92) patients displayed better thrombosis‐free survival. JAK2, CALR, and MPL wild type remained significant (P = 0.03; HR 0.32, 95% CI 0.11–0.9) during multivariable analysis that included age (P = 0.01) and thrombosis history (P = 0.0006); a favorable impact from CALR mutations was of borderline significance (P = 0.1; HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.35–1.1), but became significant (P = 0.02) when multivariable analysis including thrombosis history (P = 0.02) was performed on patients younger than 60 yr of age.ConclusionsThe favorable impact of mutational status on thrombosis‐free survival in ET might be most evident for JAK2, CALR, and MPL wild type patients, whereas the favorable effect from CALR mutations might be confined to young patients.
Type 1 versus Type 2 calreticulin mutations in essential thrombocythemia: A collaborative study of 1027 patients
Tefferi, Ayalew , Wassie, Emnet A, Guglielmelli, Paola , Gangat, Naseema , Belachew, Alem A. , Finke, Christy M. , Ketterling, Rhett P. , Hanson, Curtis A. , Pardanani, Animesh , Wolanskyj, Alexandra P. , Maffioli, Margherita , Casalone, Rosario , Pacilli, Annalisa , Passamonti, Francesco , Lasho, Terra L. , Vannucchi, Alessandro M. , Wolanskyj-Spinner, Alexandra P , Ketterling, Rhett P , Passamonti, Francesco , Guglielmelli, Paola

American Journal of Hematology | April 19, 2014 | Volume: 89 | Issue: 8 | Pages: No page available

10.1002/ajh.23743 Get It

CALR (calreticulin) trails JAK 2 as the second most mutated gene in essential thrombocythemia (ET). Mutant CALR in ET is a result of frameshift mutations, caused by exon 9 deletions or insertions; type‐1, 52‐bp deletion (p.L367fs*46), and type‐2, 5‐bp TTGTC insertion (p.K385fs*47) variants constitute more than 80% of these mutations. The current study includes a total of 1027 patients divided into test ( n = 402) and validation ( n = 625) cohorts. Among the 402 ET patients in the test cohort, 227 (57%) harbored JAK 2, 11 (3%) Myeloproliferative leukemia virus oncogene ( MPL ), and 114 (28%) CALR mutations; 12% were wild‐type for all three mutations (i.e., triple‐negative). Among the 114 patients with CALR mutations, 51 (45%) displayed type‐1 and 44 (39%) type‐2 variants; compared to mutant JAK 2, both variants were associated with higher platelet and lower hemoglobin and leukocyte counts. However, male sex was associated with only type‐1 ( P = 0.005) and younger age with type‐2 ( P = 0.001) variants. Notably, platelet count was significantly higher in type‐2 vs. type‐1 CALR ‐mutated patients ( P = 0.03) and the particular observation was validated in the validation cohort that included 111 CALR ‐mutated ET patients ( P = 0.002). These findings, coupled with the recent demonstration of preferential expression of mutant and wild‐type CALR in megakaryocytes, suggest differential effects of CALR variants on thrombopoiesis. Am. J. Hematol. 89:E121–E124, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.