Polycythemia vera (PV) is a chronic hematologic neoplasm commonly treated with hydroxyurea (HU). We utilized the advanced digitalized database of Maccabi Healthcare Services to retrospectively investigate the clinical and economic implications of HU intolerance in the routine clinical care of PV patients in Israel. We collected data on demographics, physician visits, hospitalizations, laboratory results, medication purchases, cardiovascular and thrombotic events, mental health, economic outcomes, and mortality.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn ASCEMBL, an open-label, randomized Phase 3 study, asciminib demonstrated superior efficacy and better safety profile compared with bosutinib in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase (CML-CP) previously treated with ≥2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) reported by patients is key to understanding the benefit and impact of treatment on patients' lives, and is becoming increasingly important as the life expectancy of CML-CP patients increases and patients require long-term treatment. In ASCEMBL, patients completed questionnaires to assess CML symptoms and interference with daily life (M.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: The COVID-19 pandemic required reevaluation of the therapeutic approach and added emotional stress for patients with hematological malignancies at high risk of contracting the virus. We aimed to evaluate how it affected such patients during the second lockdown in Israel.
Methods: This national survey included Hebrew-speaking patients with hematological malignancy.
The life expectancy of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) approaches that of the age-matched population and quality of life (QOL) issues are becoming increasingly important. To describe patients' characteristics and assess QOL, we delivered a 30-item core questionnaire, a 24-item CML-specific questionnaire, both from the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), and additional health-related items to 350 patients. Among 193 patients who completed the questionnaires, 139 received either imatinib ( = 70, 33%), dasatinib ( = 45, 23%) or nilotinib ( = 24, 12%).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn CML, treatment-free remission (TFR) refers to having a stable deep molecular response without the need for ongoing tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment. Whilst recommendations exist about the technical management of stopping and re-starting therapy, much is still unknown about the experiences of those considering and undertaking TFR. This study sought to obtain the patient perspective, identify areas of unmet needs and create recommendations for improvements.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: There are inconsistencies in reports on correlates for nonadherence (NA) to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The diagnostic accuracy of subjective adherence measures using electronic monitoring (EM) as the reference standard is yet to be determined. This study aimed to evaluate correlates of TKI NA using EM and test the diagnostic accuracy of subjective adherence measures.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Nonadherence to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) has been associated with inferior outcomes. Scarce evidence exists on the effectiveness of adherence-enhancing interventions. The present pilot study evaluated the feasibility and effectiveness of an intervention to improve TKI adherence in adult CML patients.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTreatment-free remission (TFR) after discontinuation of tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy is now an emerging treatment goal for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia, who have achieved a deep and stable response to treatment. Although guidance is now available, patients' questions regarding this progressive concept have yet to be addressed. The overall aim of this European Steering Group is a patient-centered approach that educates patients on their treatment options, including TFR, facilitates better patient-physician relationships, and meets patients' emotional and psychological needs.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFOptimal adherence to CML therapy is of key importance to maximize treatment effectiveness. Two clinical studies (ADAGIO and Hammersmith) have proven a clear correlation between adherence and achieving optimal treatment response and have revealed that non-adherence is common in CML patients (Marin et al. in J Clin Oncol 28(24):2381-2388, 2010, Noens et al.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is a key aspect for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients. The aim of this study was to develop a disease-specific HRQOL questionnaire for patients with CML to supplement the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC)-QLQ C30.
Patients And Methods: The process followed a predefined and systematic stepwise iterative process as defined by the EORTC guidelines for questionnaire development.