Runcorn

Researchers are evaluating treatments for high-risk polycythemia vera PV, a blood condition. This phase III international trial compares the drug ruxolitinib against the best available therapy, which includes hydroxycarbamide or any form of interferon alpha, chosen by the doctor before randomization. The study aims to determine which treatment better prevents serious complications and improves patient outcomes over about three years. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one receiving oral ruxolitinib 10 mg twice daily, and the other receiving either hydroxycarbamide or interferon alpha via standard hospital care. There is no switching between treatments during the study. The trial is open-label, meaning both doctors and participants know which treatment is given. During the trial, participants will have regular assessments including blood tests, symptom and quality of life questionnaires, and monitoring for events like thrombosis, bleeding, or disease progression. Researchers will track treatment side effects, blood markers, spleen size, and time between blood removal procedures. The study duration is approximately three years per participant, with some outcomes followed up to eight years to assess long-term effects and health economics.