Introduction

The aim and purpose of the Nordic study group for myeloproliferative neoplasms (NMPN) is to promote better treatment for patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms such as polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET) and primary myelofibrosis (PMF). This is achieved through the performance of phase I-II studies of new treatment modalities, and randomized phase III-IV trials in collaboration with other European working groups. Members of NMPN contribute to the work of the European Leukemia Net and the Myeloproliferative Research Consortium. Another important part of NMPN:s work is preclinical in vitro studies of different aspects of the myeloproliferative neoplasms. Finally, an evidence based clinical care programme concerning the MPN:s is updated on a regular basis. Guidelines regarding eosinophilia are also available on-line since 2009. Eosinophila guidelines have been updated in 2012 and MPN guidelines in 2013. The activities of the NMPN are performed by different subgroups that are formed for each project.

The group has evolved from national study groups and have members from all Nordic countries since 2005. The group has performed and reported clinical trials regarding the efficacy of anagrelide and interferon therapy in PV and ET, as well as bone marrow transplantation for PMF. Data on genetic susceptibility for the development of MPN, as well as risk factors for transformation to AML has been obtained through the study of a large cohort of MPN patients collected in Sweden. This work is lead by Magnus Björkholm. Hans Hasselbalch and collagues study gene expression profiling, mi-RNAs and epigenetic studies in the different MPN:s before and after therapy. At the present time, NMPN participates in a large European observational study of different ET therapies, the EXELS study, chaired by Gunnar Birgegård. Another important finalized study was a phase II trial of vorinostat in PV and ET lead by Hans Hasselbalch and Mary-Frances McMullin. Different studies of JAK2 inhibitors, and other novel therapies, are being developed. Finally, the first prospective study of the impact of MPN:s on patients quality-of-life from diagnosis and up to three years after diagnosis is currently active in Sweden.

Our website aims at serving study group members and other clinicians interested in the MPN:s. The open pages include contact information to the president and scientific secretary, a list of current members, short descriptions of ongoing non-confidential NMPN studies, and the The Nordic Care Programmes for management of the MPN:s and disorders characterized by eosinophilia. Member pages contain study protocols and reports, and equivalent information.

Jan Samuelsson
March 2013
Chairman, Nordic MPN study Group