Clinical Practice Recommendations for Myelofibrosis Management in the Asia-Pacific Region: The APAC-MF Alliance.
Journal
JCO oncology practice
Journal Volume
22
Journal Issue
5
ISSN
2688-1535
Date Issued
2026-05
Author(s)
Kirito, Keita
Choi, Chul Won
Hein, Than
Jung, Chul Won
Kwong, Yok-Lam
Leung, Garret M K
Ooi, Melissa G M
Rojnuckarin, Ponlapat
Ross, David M
Shih, Lee-Yung
Takenaka, Katsuto
Teo, Winnie Z Y
Gill, Harinder
Abstract
PURPOSE Myelofibrosis (MF) is a complex and clinically heterogeneous myeloproliferative neoplasm, presenting significant challenges for patient care and clinical decision making. Although global guidelines exist for MF management and continue to evolve with the advent of novel therapies, they do not consider regional variations in drug accessibility nor the availability of diagnostic tools and resources. The notable gap in regional guidance for managing patients with MF in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region has led to regional disparities in patient care practices. To bridge this gap, a steering committee (SC) of 14 expert hematologists from the APAC region collaborated to develop evidence- and consensus-based consensus statements (CSs) for MF management in the APAC region. MATERIALS On the basis of evidence from a systematic literature review and their own AND METHODS clinical experience, the SC drafted 13 clinical practice recommendations across four consensus themes: (1) defining the thresholds for anemia and when to initiate or modify treatment; (2) defining when to initiate or modify treatment for thrombocytopenia; (3) defining Janus kinase inhibitor failure and what would warrant switching treatment; and (4) defining the most appropriate risk stratification model for MF in the APAC region. The SC and an extended faculty (EF) of 47 hematologists and two patients voted on the CSs in a modified Delphi process using a 9-point scale (1 5 strongly disagree, 9 5 strongly agree), with consensus achieved when 75% agreed within the range of 7-9. RESULTS Following amendments to align with EF feedback, consensus was achieved for all 13 CSs. CONCLUSION These CSs offer pragmatic guidance tailored to the MF landscape in the APAC region, which aims to enhance the quality of patient care and outcomes. The CSs in this study are formally endorsed by the Asian Myeloid Working Group.
Type
journal article