Adherence to 6-Mercaptopurine (6-MP) and Habit Strength in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).

Background: Low 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) adherence (< 95%) is associated with increased relapse in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Stronger habit has been associated with higher adherence. We examined the relationship of 6-MP adherence to habit strength and health-related quality of life in pediatric ALL.

Applying the COM-B model to patient-reported barriers to medication adherence in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Background: Adherence to oral chemotherapy, including 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP), is suboptimal in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), which is associated with increased risk of relapse. Study objectives were to examine self-reported adherence to 6-MP and related barriers to adherence, mapped to the capability, opportunity, motivation, and behavior (COM-B) model for behavior change.

Procedure: Forty-nine parents (median, 39 years old; 76% females) and 15 patients (median, 17 years old, 20% females) completed the study survey.