Essential Thrombocytosis w/ Dr. Ayalew Tefferi, MD

Dr. Ayalew Tefferi, MD, is a professor of Hematology and Medicine at Mayo Clinic and a distinguished physician specializing in the pathophysiology, natural history, and treatment of chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), including polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and primary myelofibrosis. He completed his MD at the University of Athens Medical School, followed by a residency in internal medicine at St. Joseph Hospital in Chicago, IL. Dr. Tefferi then completed his residency in hematology and fellowship in hematology at the Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. His research encompasses both database and laboratory-based studies, aiming to develop new therapeutic drugs for these conditions.

Dr. Tefferi meticulously analyzes clinical and laboratory risk factors predictive of patient outcomes in MPNs, such as fibrotic transformation, leukemic transformation, and overall survival. He utilizes disease-specific clinical databases, with data collected over several decades, to identify these risk factors. Additionally, he has led extensive research in genetic and mutational profiling of MPNs, resulting in the creation of genetic and clinical-molecular prognostic models, which are now integral to contemporary clinical care for patients with MPNs.

He has spearheaded numerous clinical trials, contributing to the licensing of several drugs for MPNs in the U.S. Notable therapeutic agents include ruxolitinib and momelotinib for the treatment of myelofibrosis. Dr. Tefferi has also conducted pioneering studies on rare MPNs, including systemic mastocytosis, eosinophilic conditions, histiocytic disorders, and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

Chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms are a group of relatively uncommon diseases with poorly understood clinical and biological features, and the only curative treatment is stem cell transplantation. Dr. Tefferi's research has significantly enhanced the understanding of these diseases, identified critical patient characteristics, and developed new treatments. His work is widely adopted by MPN experts and incorporated into international guidelines. His studies on rare MPNs have also advanced disease biology understanding and informed rational treatment strategies.

Dr. Tefferi is deeply committed to improving patient care by educating other healthcare professionals and sharing his extensive knowledge and expertise in the field of hematology.