Myelofibrosis: new strategies aim for more durable responses
- 11 hours ago
- 2 min read
Prof. Florian Heidel speaks with Peter Löffelhardt about the developments presented at EHA 2026 and a new stage of research looking beyond spleen size and symptom control.
After years with a limited number of options, research in myelofibrosis is opening new possibilities. In this interview, Peter Löffelhardt, founder of Global MPN Scientific Foundation and a patient living with MPN, speaks with Prof. Florian Heidel, Clinic Director of the Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology and Cell Therapy at Hannover Medical School.
Following his participation at EHA 2026, Prof. Heidel highlights an important change: future treatments are not only intended to reduce spleen size or relieve symptoms. Researchers are also seeking more durable responses and ways to delay disease progression.
New combinations and targeted treatments
Several myelofibrosis strategies were presented at EHA 2026:
New antibodies and targeted therapies.
Combinations of JAK inhibitors with other medicines.
JAK2 inhibitors with new mechanisms of action.
Approaches addressing anemia and iron metabolism.
Ruxolitinib remains an essential treatment for many people. However, some patients may lose response over time or may not receive sufficient benefit. New combinations aim to provide complementary mechanisms, but not necessarily from the beginning for every patient. One of the main challenges is identifying who responds well to standard treatment and who needs an additional option.
POIESIS: a combination only for those who need it
A significant part of the interview focuses on the POIESIS clinical trial, which is evaluating the combination of ruxolitinib and navtemadlin. Navtemadlin is an investigational MDM2 inhibitor designed to promote the death of malignant myelofibrosis cells.
Participants initially receive ruxolitinib. Those who achieve an adequate response continue without an additional medicine. Only patients whose response is considered insufficient may receive navtemadlin or placebo alongside ruxolitinib. This design aims to avoid unnecessary treatment and identify who may genuinely benefit from a combination.
Patients being sought for the trial
The study is seeking potential participants with myelofibrosis who have not yet received treatment with a JAK inhibitor, such as ruxolitinib, fedratinib, momelotinib or pacritinib.
Previous treatment with other medicines, including hydroxyurea, does not necessarily prevent participation. Eligibility depends on several criteria and must be assessed by the clinical trial team.
People interested in learning more should contact Global MPN before starting a JAK inhibitor:
📱 WhatsApp: +34 611 591 344
✉️ Email: info@gmpnsf.es
Making contact does not guarantee enrollment. The medical team must assess each case individually.
Watch the full interview
In the complete conversation, Peter and Prof. Heidel explore new combinations, JAK2 inhibitors, anemia, iron metabolism and the future of myelofibrosis treatment.
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