Polycythemia Vera (PV) is a disease of bone marrow stem cells that manifests in a drastic increase of red blood cells and frequently also of white blood cells. The "thickening" of the blood in relation with a modified function of the cells has several consequences like increased blood pressure, pruritus of the skin, fatigue, disturbed blood circulation in the brain as well as fingers and toes and an increased risk of arterial and venous thrombosis (thrombosis is the formation of a blood clot in a vessel); like stroke, cardiac infarction, deep vein thrombosis in the legs. In case of a strong increase of platelets there is an additional risk of bleedings. As the disease progresses the size of spleen and liver increased in most cases and the bone marrow shows signs of fibrosis. In some cases of PV a progression at a later time point to a leukemia (increased formation of white blood cells) can occur. The aim of this study is to show that the study drug AOP2014 (pegylated proline interferon alpha-2b) has the long term efficacy and safety in controlling the disease. A comparison arm is receiving best available therapy as selected by the investigator. Response to the treatment is measured by several blood parameters as well as size of the spleen. Interferon-alpha has been shown to be effective in controlling the blood parameters by immunologically influencing the blood building cells. This can lead to a suppression of the disease-causing stem cells and help healthy stem cells to proliferate. Through this mechanism it is possible that Interferon-alpha can avoid long-term damaging effects of the disease.
This is a Phase III, parallel-arm, open-label continuation of the PROUD-PV study performed in adults diagnosed with Polycythemia Vera (PV). Patients who received AOP2014 in the primary study, PROUD-PV will continue on AOP2014, patients who received HU in the PROUD-PV study will receive best available therapy as selected by the investigator. Only patients who completed PROUD-PV including the end of study visit will be enrolled into this continuation study.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
170
Subjects will continue to receive the dosage which delivers the optimal disease response (hematocrit \[Hct\]\<45%, platelets \[PLTs\]\<400 x 109/L and leukocytes \[WBCs\]\<10 x 109/L), as determined in the PROUD-PV study, preferably at the level of target blood values.
Best available therapy as selected by the investigator
LKH Graz
Graz, Austria
University Hospital Innsbruck
Innsbruck, Austria
Elisabethinen Hospital Linz
Linz, Austria
Salzburg Regional Hospital
Salzburg, Austria
Hanusch Hospital
Vienna, Austria
Medical University Vienna
Vienna, Austria
Disease response at quarterly assessment visits
The primary efficacy endpoint will be the rate of disease response at assessment visits (every 3 months). The co-primary efficacy evaluation criterion will be (1) disease response defined as hematologic response: Hct\<45% without phlebotomy (at least 3 months since the last phlebotomy), PLTs\<400 x 109/L, WBCs\<10 x 109/L, and normal spleen size, and (2) disease response defined as hematologic response (Hct\<45% without phlebotomy (at least 3 months since the last phlebotomy), PLTs\<400 x 109/L, WBCs\<10 x 109/L), resolution and/or clinically improvement of disease-related signs (clinical significant splenomegaly) and disease-related symptoms (microvascular disturbances, pruritus, headache).
Time frame: 3 years
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Hospital Wels-Grieskirchen
Wels, Austria
University Multiprofile Hospital for Active Treatment "Sveti Georgi", Plovdiv
Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Specialized Hospital for Active Treatment of Hematological Diseases
Sofia, Bulgaria
Multiprofile Hospital for Active Treatment "Sveta Marina", Varna
Varna, Bulgaria
...and 37 more locations