Ropeginterferon superior to Interferon and HU in PV patients

[JT_Marlin]

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In this phase III study and its associated extension study, 257 patients with polycythemia vera (PV) were randomized to receive a monopegylated interferon, ropeginterferon alfa-2b, or hydroxyurea. Throughout the extension study, use of ropeginterferon compared with hydroxyurea was associated with a greater incidence of complete hematologic response along with an improved disease burden (at 36 months, 53% vs 38%; P=.044) and complete hematologic response alone (71% vs 51%; P=.012). Both treatments were well-tolerated.

In patients with early PV with splenomegaly, ropeginterferon alfa-2b was not noninferior to hydroxyurea at 12 months, but it did show improved responses at 36 months, with good tolerability.

– Eric Fountain, MD, MA

practiceupdate.com/C/96188/...

[Manouche]

« The increasing rate of complete hematologic response over time with ropeginterferon alfa-2b, coupled with the high frequency of molecular response, suggests that this agent has potential activity against progression of PV. If made available, ropeginterferon alfa-2b will provide a formidable frontline alternative to hydroxyurea in PV patients requiring cytoreduction »

[JT_Marlin in reply to Manouche]

I shared the study with my doc and suggested that Pegasys should be just as effective as ropeg.

[Manouche in reply to JT_Marlin]

You get higher and more constant level of circulating INF with ropeginterferon, that’s why it’s potentially more effective on the long term compared to Pegasys.

[Cbreeze0182]

Hello yes I was on hydroxyurea for 6 years. First started on 500 mg, then 1000 and ended on 1500 mg. My experience was a lot of bone pain once I had to take 1500 mg a day. Brain fog so much I had to retire early at age 57. No weight gain for me or nausea with it. Hope this helps.