Can a cancer drug ease symptoms in Low-Risk blood disorders?

NCT ID NCT04644211

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 2 trial is testing whether the drug ruxolitinib (Jakafi) can reduce symptoms like fatigue and itching in people with low-risk essential thrombocythemia (ET) or polycythemia vera (PV). About 60 participants will take the pill daily, and researchers will measure symptom changes using a standard questionnaire. The goal is to improve quality of life, not to cure the disease.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: ruxolitinib (Jakafi) – a pill taken by mouth
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a new way to ease symptoms like fatigue and itching for people with low-risk ET or PV.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase study (60 people) focused on symptom relief, not a cure. It may not show clear benefit or could have side effects like infection risk.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

acquired polycythemia vera essential thrombocythemia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ESSENTIAL THROMBOCYTHEMIA POLYCYTHEMIA VERA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Beth-Israel Deaconess Medical Center
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
Dana Farber Cancer Institute
RECRUITING

Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
Massachusetts General Hospital
RECRUITING

Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States
Massachusetts General North Shore Cancer Center
RECRUITING

Danvers, Massachusetts, 01923, United States

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