Managing Patients With Myelofibrosis in the Era of Janus Kinase Inhibitors

Myelofibrosis (MF) is a rare, chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm. Oncology advanced practitioners (APs), including nurse practitioners, oncology nurses, pharmacists, and physician assistants, who are caring for patients with MF play important roles in patient education and the management of patient expectations. Vigilance in the monitoring of disease progression, treatment response, and adverse effects is crucial for delivering successful therapy. Because of the rarity of MF, many APs are unfamiliar with the new classification of drugs for the treatment of MF, Janus kinase inhibitors. Ruxolitinib is the first FDA approved drug in this category. The purpose of this article is to help equip oncology APs with the knowledge they need in order to educate their MF patients, to help them to remain on therapy, and ultimately, to maximize the overall treatment benefit.