Leukemic transformation in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms: a population-based retrospective study

Abstract

Aim: This study determined the epidemiology of developing leukemic transformation in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN). Methods: We utilized the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results 13 database to identify 83 cases of leukemic transformation in MPN (n = 9335). Results: The 5-year cumulative incidence of leukemic transformation was higher in male versus female (2.17 vs 1.09%; p < 0.001), and in myelofibrosis (2.19%; 95% CI: 1.36–3.34%), compared with essential thrombocythemia (0.37%; 95% CI: 0.19–0.65%) and polycythemia vera (0.72%; 95% CI: 0.46–1.07%; p < 0.001). Patients had a median survival of 2 months after leukemic transformation, worse in older patients and without any impact of prior MPN subtypes. Conclusion: Myelofibrosis has a higher risk of leukemic transformation. Overall survival is dismal regardless of MPN subtypes.