The combination of ruxolitinib and danazol produced hematologic stabilization in patients with myelofibrosis in a small phase 2 study involving 14 individuals.

Investigators looked at the combination’s efficacy and tolerability in high-risk myelofibrosis patients treated at 2 institutions. Among the results:

• Using International Working Group-Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Research and Treatment criteria, responses were stable disease in 9 patients; clinical improvement in 3 (all spleen responses); partial response in 1; and progressive disease in 1.
• Anemia and thrombocytopenia were stabilized.
• 4 of 5 JAK inhibitor naïve patients had stable or increasing hemoglobin.
• 5 of 9 patients on prior JAK inhibitor had stable or increasing hemoglobin levels; 8 experienced stable or increasing platelet levels.
• Grade 3 or greater hematologic toxicity occurred in 10 patients.
• 2 patients experienced non-hematologic toxicity.