ABSTRACT
Background: Unlike Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) whose genetic basis (the Philadelphia
chromosome), has become a household name, that of Polycythaemia Vera and other non-leukemic
myeloproliferative diseases has not equally received wide publicity.
Aim: The aim of this paper is to review and highlight the role of JAK2 mutation in Polycythaemia Vera,
Primary Myelofibrosis and Essential Thrombocythaemia.
Methods: Literature on the subject was reviewed using manual library search, articles in journals, internet
search and conference abstracts.
Results: JAK2 mutation plays important role in the general pathophysiology of non-leukemic
myeloproliferative diseases. Proper understanding of these roles is being utilized in research and
development of novel therapeutic agents.