E.T. JAK2

[Rebus12]

Good Morning,

I have been diagnosed with E.T. Jak 2 positive.

A question please? I thought that Jak2 was either positive or negative but have seen it described here as a percentage.

I have not been given my percentage. Is this something I should ask my haematologist about? My haematologist is a MPN specialist and I see her this week.

For information, my only symptom is fatigue. I now accept it and work round it rather than fight it as I did at first!

Many thanks,

Maureen.

[hunter5582]

There are two types of assessment for the JAK2 mutation, Qualitative (Yes/No) and Quantitative (% Variant Allele Frequency). The variant allele frequency correlates with disease status and symptom burden but it is not always in a totally linear fashion. In the past, there was nothing that could be done about the allele burden and doctors could not use the information. That has changed with some of the newer treatments that can reduce allele burden and may improve progression-free survival.

This recent article by Moliterno et al does a nice job summarizing the issue. ashpublications.org/blood/a...

While there is not universal agreement, many are now viewing allele burden as a relevant factor in monitoring treatment. We monitor VAF on an annual basis as part of my treatment plan.

Wishing you all the best.

[LIGEBA in reply to hunter5582]

When you get your VAF monitored each year, is it via blood test or bone marrow biopsy?