Considerations to comprehensive care for the older individual with myelofibrosis

Abstract

Over the last decade, we have witnessed a massive increase in available clinical agents, both in the clinical trial setting and following commercial use approval, directed to reduced life expectancy as well as the considerable symptom, splenic and anaemia burden associated with myelofibrosis. Given the median age of onset of the disease, coupled with an ageing population globally, we will be caring for an increasingly aged myelofibrosis cohort in future years. We will need to adapt our approach, emphasizing the holistic management of the older individual with myelofibrosis accordingly. Out with the pharmacological management of the disease, consideration needs to be given to interventions based on concurrent illness, comprehensive geriatric assessments, frailty, polypharmacy and drug-drug interactions, nutritional issues, psychological concerns (depression, anxiety or distress), cognitive decline and social/economic aspects. Within this review, we summarise available data addressing these issues, outline knowledge gaps and suggest a summative and holistic approach to the older individual with myelofibrosis.

Keywords: Elderly; JAK inhibitors; Myelofibrosis; clinical trials; gerontology.