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A landmark review on myeloproliferative neoplasms published in the New England Journal of Medicine
Researcher Isabelle Plo and Dr William Vainchenker, a haematologist and researcher at Gustave Roussy, have co-authored a landmark review on myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), published in the New England Journal of Medicine on 19 August. The article summarises major advances in understanding these blood cancers and highlights therapeutic prospects that could transform their management in the years ahead.
Published on
Blood cancers that can develop over decades
Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) encompass several bone marrow disorders. They are characterised by the excessive production of blood cells and can expose patients to serious complications, including thrombosis, bleeding or progression to acute leukaemia.
One of the major findings of recent years is that the mutations responsible for these diseases may arise several decades before diagnosis. MPNs therefore provide a unique model for understanding the earliest stages of cancer development and identifying opportunities for early intervention.
New therapeutic hopes
Although current treatments can effectively control the disease and reduce the risk of complications, in most cases they remain unable to achieve lasting elimination of the cells that cause it. However, the authors highlight the emergence of particularly promising new therapeutic strategies. Treatments specifically targeting mutated JAK2 or CALR proteins are currently being developed and could ultimately alter the course of the disease in a lasting way, or even eradicate the tumour clone responsible.
Deciphering the mechanisms behind cancer development
Beyond MPNs themselves, the review highlights the contribution these diseases make to cancer research as a whole. Because they develop slowly and their genetic alterations are now well characterised, they provide a model for studying how cancer arises and evolves over several decades.
This work paves the way for a better understanding of the mechanisms of tumour transformation and for the design of strategies capable of intercepting disease before cancer develops. This approach is fully aligned with Gustave Roussy's ambitions in precision medicine and cancer interception.
International recognition of Gustave Roussy's expertise
This publication reflects the longstanding contribution of Gustave Roussy teams to understanding the biological mechanisms underlying these diseases, particularly mutations in the JAK2 gene, which have profoundly transformed diagnosis and patient management.
Reference
Plo I., Vainchenker W. Myeloproliferative Neoplasms. New England Journal of Medicine, 20 August 2026: https://www.nejm.org/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJMra2507867
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ADCs: Two Landmark Publications in Cancer Cell and Nature Medicine Showcase Gustave Roussy's Expertise
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Drug shortages: Gustave Roussy becomes the only Cancer Centre in France authorised to produce Special Hospital Preparations
The Clinical Pharmacy Department at Gustave Roussy has been authorised by the French Ministry of Health to manufacture Special Hospital Preparations (SHPs). Granted for a period of seven years, this accreditation enables the Institute’s hospital pharmacy to produce certain medicines in coordination with the French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) and the Ministry of Health. Gustave Roussy is the only French Comprehensive Cancer Centre (CLCC) authorised to manufacture Special Hospital Preparations, alongside ten university hospitals.
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Personalising Breast Cancer Treatments: 5 Questions with Dr Barbara Pistilli
Advances in treatment and patient care mean that five-year net survival for breast cancer now reaches 88%1 in France. However, with around 60,000 new cases diagnosed each year in France alone, breast cancer remains a major public health challenge. One reason is the side effects associated with treatment. In response to this issue, Dr Barbara Pistilli, Head of the Breast Cancer Committee at Gustave Roussy, advocates an approach centred on personalised care, ensuring that each woman receives a treatment intensity tailored to her tumour and individual journey, without compromising her chances of recovery.
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Breast Cancer: Gustave Roussy Ranked No. 1 in France for Breast Surgery and Breast Reconstruction
On the occasion of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the 2025 data from Visuchir, the national surgical activity monitoring tool of the French Health Insurance system, places Gustave Roussy in first position for both breast surgery and breast reconstruction. Beyond this ranking, these figures highlight that reconstruction is now an integral part of breast cancer treatment. It is considered at every stage of care: from tumor removal surgery, whether lumpectomy or mastectomy, through to the post-cancer period, helping to restore the body and support women in regaining their physical integrity and quality of life.
