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Survey Results Show How MPNs Impact Life Quality
Ann Hematol; ePub 2017 Aug 5; Harrison, et al
There is a need for improved patient-physician communication, standardized monitoring of symptoms, and agreement on treatment goals in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), according to results of an online survey involving >900 individuals. Participants included patients with MPNs (n=699) and physicians (n=219). Investigators measured MPN-related symptoms and the impact of MPNs on quality of life, the ability to work, and disease-management strategies. Among the results:
- The most frequent and severe symptom was fatigue.
- Most patients experienced reduced quality of life, even those with low symptom burden and low-risk scores.
- Many reported decreased ability to work and impaired overall activity.
- Physician feedback and blood counts were the most important indicators of treatment success.
- Patients often had different treatment goals than physicians.
Harrison C, Koschmieder S, Foltz L, et al. The impact of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) on patient quality of life and productivity: Results from the international MPN Landmark survey. [Published online ahead of print August 5, 2017]. Ann Hematol. doi:10.1007/s00277-017-3082-y.
