Ruxolitinib and Hydroxycarbamide Are the Most Efficient Drugs to Reduce Aquagenic Pruritus Intensity in a Real-Word Cohort of Patients With Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

BACKGROUND: Aquagenic pruritus (AP) is a common and distressing symptom in myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) patients. METHODS: This study assessed cytoreductive therapy effectiveness using data from 489 patients in the OBENE Observatory (NCT02897297). AP severity was tracked regularly after diagnosis. RESULTS: Ruxolitinib and hydroxycarbamide reduced AP by 52.9% and 60.7%, respectively, but 61.4% still experienced persistent symptoms. Anagrelide and pegylated interferon were less effective and occasionally worsened AP. No correlation was found between full hematological response and symptom relief. CONCLUSION: Despite treatment, AP remains prevalent, highlighting the need for targeted symptom management. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02897297.