Ruxolitinib-Treated Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: Real-World Infectious Outcomes and Preventive Practices from a Single Center

Background: Ruxolitinib has been associated with an increased risk of viral infections and tuberculosis reactivation in patients with Philadelphia chromosome-negative myeloproliferative neoplasm. However, data regarding screening practices and prophylactic approaches in routine clinical care remain limited. Objective: To describe latent tuberculosis screening, antiviral prophylaxis practices, and infectious outcomes in ruxolitinib-treated patients with myeloproliferative neoplasm at a single center. Methods: Thirty patients with Philadelphia chromosome-negative myeloproliferative neoplasm treated with ruxolitinib were included in this retrospective single-center study. Results: The median duration of ruxolitinib therapy was 20.1 months. Latent tuberculosis screening was performed in nearly all patients, and isoniazid prophylaxis was administered to five individuals according to screening results. No tuberculosis reactivation occurred during follow-up. Antiviral prophylaxis was administered to 56.6% of patients. One patient developed herpes zoster during treatment, and two experienced recurrent oral herpes. Exploratory analyses did not identify statistically significant clinical factors associated with recurrent oral herpes or antiviral prophylaxis initiation. Conclusion: This study provides a descriptive real-world account of infectious outcomes and institutional screening and management practices in ruxolitinib-treated patients with Philadelphia chromosome-negative myeloproliferative neoplasm. Larger prospective studies are required to further clarify optimal screening and prophylactic strategies.