What chemotherapy drug is commonly used to treat polycythemia vera?

Hydroxyurea is commonly used in the treatment of polycythemia vera because it helps to reduce the high number of red blood cells by inhibiting the production of DNA in the bone marrow. This ultimately reduces the overall cell proliferation, which is a key characteristic of polycythemia vera. By lowering the red blood cell count, hydroxyurea helps to alleviate symptoms and decrease the risk of thrombotic events associated with the condition.

While other medications like Ruxolitinib may also play a role in managing polycythemia vera—particularly in cases that are resistant to conventional therapies—hydroxyurea remains a standard and widely used treatment primarily due to its effectiveness in controlling the hyperproliferative aspects of the disease. Cyclophosphamide and Vincristine are not typically utilized for polycythemia vera, making hydroxyurea the most established choice in this context.