Dr. Rossetti on Risk Stratification in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

James M. Rossetti, DO, hematologist, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, discusses risk stratification in myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs).

Risk stratification is crucial in assessing what patients are experiencing, says Rossetti. In those with polycythemia vera, for example, it’s important that past events such as cardiovascular risk factors are evaluated. It is easy to ask whether patients have had a pulmonary embolism and overlook other risk factors that they might have increased their risk for thrombosis. In order to get a complete picture, molecular profiling is done, as it relates to risk for transformation and as it relates to risk for thrombosis. All of this information is considered in the context of blood counts and cytogenetic modeling, explains Rossetti.

In myelofibrosis, the Dynamic International Prognostic Scoring System plus score is used frequently. With all of these new evolving models, providers are learning more about how to integrate information in a more succinct way. Such efforts will continue to evolve to ensure that patients are being stratified appropriately, concludes Rossetti.