Molecular Pathology Laboratory Network

Liandong Ma and colleagues with Eli Lilly and company presented Phase I data at the 53rd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) on a potential selective targeted therapy LY2784544 for certain myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). The janus kinase 2 (JAK2) mutation found in patients with MPN constantly activates cells causing proliferation and resistance to apoptosis.

In 2005, the identification of a single mutation in the janus kinase 2 gene (JAK2) was described as the most common molecular abnormality in Philadelphia negative myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN). Subtypes of MPN carrying the mutation as established by varying techniques include 97% polcythemia vera (PV), 57% essential thrombocythemia (ET) and 50% chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis (CIMF).

To detect JAK2 mutations in MPN, MPLN offers JAK2 V617F Mutation Analysis testing.The American Society of Hematology and Association for Molecular Pathology along with the Canadian Academy of Pathology have recommended that screening for the JAK2 mutation be performed when a diagnosis of a myeloproliferative disorder is considered.

For more information about this test, contact a client service specialist at 800.932.2943.