The janus kinase 2 (JAK2) mutation: A review of its role in polycythaemia vera and other myeloproliferative disorders

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.