NCCN Added Rusfertide to Cancer Treatment Guidelines
The network included the drug for polycythemia vera patients following recent federal regulatory approval.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Cancer
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The National Comprehensive Cancer Network updated its clinical guidelines to include rusfertide as a Category 1 treatment for polycythemia vera. This update follows the FDA's August approval of the therapy for adults diagnosed with the condition.
Why it matters
Maintaining hematocrit levels below 45% is essential for patients with polycythemia vera to mitigate the risk of thrombotic events. Proper management also helps reduce debilitating symptoms such as fatigue and pruritus.
The clinical recommendation is supported by data from 360 patients across pivotal trials, including 293 in the VERIFY study. Common side effects reported include injection site reactions at a 56% incidence rate and anemia in 16% of trial participants.
The players
National Comprehensive Cancer Network
This nonprofit alliance of 33 leading cancer centers develops clinical practice guidelines to improve the quality and effectiveness of cancer care.
Takeda
A research-based global biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Japan that holds exclusive worldwide development and commercialization rights for rusfertide.
The details
Rusfertide serves as a first-in-class hepcidin mimetic that regulates iron distribution and red blood cell production via once-weekly subcutaneous injections. The inclusion of the drug as a Category 1 treatment aligns with new clinical standards developed by multidisciplinary panels of experts.
Timeline
August 28, 2026: The FDA approved rusfertide for adults with polycythemia vera.
September 18, 2026: The NCCN updated its Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology for Myeloproliferative Neoplasms.
September 21, 2026: Takeda announced the inclusion of the drug in the updated NCCN guidelines.
Deeper Dive
The inclusion of rusfertide updates the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology for Myeloproliferative Neoplasms. This decision follows a pattern of integrating new targeted therapies into established care protocols for blood disorders.
Patients with polycythemia vera may now see rusfertide integrated into their clinical treatment plans under these updated guidelines. Those prescribed the medication should be monitored for potential side effects such as anemia and reactions at the injection site.
The takeaway
The move to designate rusfertide as a Category 1 treatment highlights the shift toward targeted iron-regulation therapies for blood disorders. Patients should consult with their oncology teams to determine if this once-weekly injection therapy is appropriate for their specific management needs.
Further reading
For more information on current treatment standards, visit the Cancer section.
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