Symptom Burden and Quality of Life Issues among Patients of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia on Long-term Imatinib Therapy.

Background: Tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as imatinib have improved survival in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Imatinib can cause chronic side effects which are not considered serious but can impact the quality of life (QoL) of the patient.

Methods: The results of a detailed symptom burden analysis and its impact on QoL scores in a cohort of patients on long-term imatinib is presented in this study.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Adherence to Therapy, Its Associations, and Its Implications in Patients With Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Receiving Imatinib.

Background: Adherence to oral therapy over a long period is important for optimal outcomes in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).

Methods: Patients in the chronic phase of CML (taking imatinib for ≥ 6 months) were assessed by the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale and European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life (QoL) Questionnaire (C30 and CML 24). Patients were classified as adherent (score 8) and nonadherent (score ≤ 7) as per the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale.