EHA 2026: new treatments and precision medicine open a promising chapter for MPN
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Prof. Haifa Al-Ali joins Peter Löffelhardt to discuss some of the most relevant advances presented at EHA 2026 and the future of treatment in myeloproliferative neoplasms.
The field of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) is experiencing a period of remarkable scientific activity. Research, clinical trials and therapeutic options for essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera and myelofibrosis continue to expand.
Following her participation at EHA 2026, Prof. Haifa Al-Ali, one of the leading international MPN specialists, shared with Peter Löffelhardt some of the findings she considers most relevant for patients.
Treatments targeting mutant CALR
One of the most promising developments involves antibodies designed to specifically target mutant calreticulin, CALR. These investigational treatments are being evaluated in people with essential thrombocythemia and myelofibrosis. Early findings include rapid hematological responses, reductions in spleen size, symptom improvement and favorable tolerability.
Although these results still need to be confirmed in larger studies, the approach represents an important step towards more precise treatment based on the characteristics of each disease.
Rusfertide and phlebotomies in polycythemia vera
In polycythemia vera, Prof. Al-Ali highlights the data on rusfertide, a weekly subcutaneous injection designed to control hematocrit and reduce the need for phlebotomies. This option may be particularly useful for patients who require frequent phlebotomies, experience difficulties with venous access or develop iron deficiency that affects their wellbeing.
Rusfertide is not currently considered a disease-modifying treatment. However, it may help reduce procedures, stabilize iron levels and improve quality of life for selected patients.
New options in myelofibrosis
Myelofibrosis was one of the areas with the greatest number of developments at EHA 2026.
These included the combination of JAK inhibitors with luspatercept for patients with transfusion-dependent anemia, new selective JAK2 inhibitors, and the combination of ruxolitinib with selinexor.
Early data suggest potential improvements in anemia, spleen size, symptoms and JAK2 allele burden. However, many of these treatments remain investigational and will require additional studies and regulatory evaluation.
Moving towards precision medicine in MPN
One of the main messages from the interview is that MPN care is moving towards precision medicine. The aim is to better understand which treatment may benefit each person according to their mutation, type of MPN, symptoms and individual needs.
Prof. Al-Ali also emphasizes that efficacy is not the only important consideration. New treatments must be safe and provide meaningful improvements in patients’ daily lives.
“It is a good time for patients because therapeutic options will continue to increase.”
In the full interview, Peter and Prof. Al-Ali explore these advances, the limitations of the current studies and the research directions that may shape the future of MPN.
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If you would like to continue learning and connecting with others living with MPN, we invite you to explore the initiatives of Global MPN Scientific Foundation.
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