Zebra of the Week: Polycythemia vera

Polycythemia vera (PV) is a condition characterized by erythrocytosis and myeloproliferative neoplasms. These extra cells cause the blood to be thicker than normal, increasing the risk of fatal blood clots. PV occurs more frequently in men than women. Most cases of PV are not inherited and have been associated with genetic changes in the JAK2 and TET2 genes. A 2024 phase 2 study found that the drug rusfertide limited excess production of red blood cells in patients with PV over a 28-week course of treatment, suggesting another option for patients other than therapeutic phlebotomy.