Tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment discontinuation in chronic myeloid leukemia: patient views

Vashti N.M.F. Tromp, Lonneke Timmers, Leanne Koningen, Jeroen J.W.M. Janssen, Peter E. Westerweel, Inge G.P. Geelen, Jan de Jong, Jan J. Beckeringh, Christel C.L.M. Boons, Jacqueline G. Hugtenburg

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

3 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in deep molecular remission may discontinue tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment without relapse. The present study aims to gain insight into the views of CML patients on TKI treatment discontinuation and identify factors that are associated with their willingness to discontinue treatment. A cross-sectional study, among adult Dutch CML patients was conducted to assess willingness and their views on benefits of and concerns about discontinuation. A total of 185 patients participated of whom 76% were willing to discontinue TKI-treatment. Patients considered the absence of side effects the most important benefit whereas fear of disease recurrence was their most prominent concern. Adequate monitoring was the most important prerequisite for TKI-treatment discontinuation. However, ambiguity with respect to perquisites indicate that patients on long-term TKI treatment should be adequately informed both on the possibility to discontinue treatment and on its benefits, risks, and measures that address risks.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)649-658
Number of pages10
JournalLeukemia and Lymphoma
Volume62
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

Keywords

  • Chronic myeloid leukemia
  • patient views
  • treatment discontinuation
  • tyrosine kinase inhibitors

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