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Réa D, Boquimpani C, Mauro MJ, Minami Y, Allepuz A, Maheshwari VK, D'Alessio D, Wu Y, Lawrance R, Narbutas S, Sharf G, Hochhaus A. Health-related quality of life of patients with resistant/intolerant chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia treated with asciminib or bosutinib in the phase 3 ASCEMBL trial. Leukemia 2023; 37:1060-1067. [PMID: 37069326 PMCID: PMC10169655 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-023-01888-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
In 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.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory - CML [MDASI-CML]), general HRQOL (five-level EQ-5D [EQ-5D-5L], Patient Global Impression of Change - CML [PGIC-CML]), and impact of CML on working life and activity (Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire - CML [WPAI-CML]). Patients' CML symptoms and HRQOL remained stable during 48 weeks of treatment with asciminib, with a general trend for decreased CML symptom severity, particularly for fatigue, and improvement in HRQOL. A clinically meaningful increase in diarrhea severity was observed in patients treated with bosutinib compared to asciminib. These data provide better understanding of the patient perspective and treatment impact on HRQOL in a later-line setting, where little information has been published to date.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carla Boquimpani
- HEMORIO, State Institute of Hematology Arthur de Siquiera Cavalcanti, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Oncoclínica Centro de Tratamento Oncológico, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Yosuke Minami
- National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Ying Wu
- Novartis Services Inc, East Hanover, NJ, USA
| | | | - Sarunas Narbutas
- Youth Cancer Europe and CML Advocates Network, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Giora Sharf
- Leukemia Patient Advocates Foundation, Netanya, Israel
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Levy I, Sharf G, Norman S, Tadmor T. The impact of COVID-19 on patients with hematological malignancies: the mixed-method analysis of an Israeli national survey. Support Care Cancer 2021; 29:7591-7599. [PMID: 34128108 PMCID: PMC8203210 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06324-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background 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. This included three tools with 28 items of sociodemographic and medical baseline characteristics, management of hematological disease, and evaluation of emotional coping during COVID-19 pandemic; the Hebrew version of the Patient Health Questionnaire 9; and 3 qualitative open-ended questions. Data was analyzed by mixed methods which combined both quantitative and qualitative thematic analyses. Results Four hundred eight patients responded to the survey. The management of their hematological disease included a decrease in the number of visits to the hematology clinic (37.0%), delay of some treatment schedules (9.1%), and prescription of replacement therapies permitting less visits to the clinic (2.2%). The frequency and intensity of “feeling afraid” regarding COVID-19 infection was increased (mean ± SD: 4 ± 1 to 5 ± 2 in a 1–7 Likert scale), and a high rate of depression was recorded, which appeared to be more evident in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) (p < 0.001). Conclusion The management of hematological malignancies during pandemics should always take into consideration patients’ fears, as well as the development of depression related to isolation and loneliness, in addition to the high risk of severe disease. Patients with CML had a high rate of depression which obviously needs to be managed very carefully during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilana Levy
- Hematology Unit, Bnai Zion Medical Center, 47, Golomb Street, 31048, Haifa, Israel.
- The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Giora Sharf
- Halil Haor non-profit organization for patients with Leukemia and Lymphoma, Israel, Israel
| | - Shlomit Norman
- AMEN, Israeli Association of Myeloma Patients, Israel, Israel
| | - Tamar Tadmor
- Hematology Unit, Bnai Zion Medical Center, 47, Golomb Street, 31048, Haifa, Israel
- The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
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Shacham Abulafia A, Shemesh S, Rosenmann L, Berger T, Leader A, Sharf G, Raanani P, Rozovski U. Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Treated with First- Versus Second-Generation Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9113417. [PMID: 33113857 PMCID: PMC7692789 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9113417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
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 (n = 70, 33%), dasatinib (n = 45, 23%) or nilotinib (n = 24, 12%). Patients’ median age was 58 (range: 23 to 89) years and 86 (63%) were males. Stratifying patients by treatment, we recognized two distinct populations. In comparison to patients on dasatinib and nilotinib, patients on imatinib were two decades older, had a longer duration of disease and current treatment, experienced fewer limitations on daily activities (p = 0.02), less fatigue (p = 0.001), lower degree of impaired body image (p = 0.022) and less painful episodes (p = 0.014). Similarly, they had better emotional functioning, were less worried, stressed, depressed or nervous (p = 0.01) and were more satisfied with their treatment (p = 0.018). Not only does age associate with current treatments, but it also predicts how patients perceive QOL. Young patients express impaired QOL compared with elderly patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adi Shacham Abulafia
- Institute of Hematology, Davidoff Cancer Center, Beilinson Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Petah-Tikva 49100, Israel; (L.R.); (T.B.); (A.L.); (P.R.); (U.R.)
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-(0)543040797
| | - Sivan Shemesh
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
| | - Lena Rosenmann
- Institute of Hematology, Davidoff Cancer Center, Beilinson Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Petah-Tikva 49100, Israel; (L.R.); (T.B.); (A.L.); (P.R.); (U.R.)
| | - Tamar Berger
- Institute of Hematology, Davidoff Cancer Center, Beilinson Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Petah-Tikva 49100, Israel; (L.R.); (T.B.); (A.L.); (P.R.); (U.R.)
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
| | - Avi Leader
- Institute of Hematology, Davidoff Cancer Center, Beilinson Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Petah-Tikva 49100, Israel; (L.R.); (T.B.); (A.L.); (P.R.); (U.R.)
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
| | - Giora Sharf
- Israeli CML Patients Organization, 5 Ehud Manor st., Netanya 4265952, Israel;
| | - Pia Raanani
- Institute of Hematology, Davidoff Cancer Center, Beilinson Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Petah-Tikva 49100, Israel; (L.R.); (T.B.); (A.L.); (P.R.); (U.R.)
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
| | - Uri Rozovski
- Institute of Hematology, Davidoff Cancer Center, Beilinson Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Petah-Tikva 49100, Israel; (L.R.); (T.B.); (A.L.); (P.R.); (U.R.)
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
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Sharf G, Marin C, Bradley JA, Pemberton-Whiteley Z, Bombaci F, Christensen RIO, Gouimi B, Deekes NB, Daban M, Geissler J. Treatment-free remission in chronic myeloid leukemia: the patient perspective and areas of unmet needs. Leukemia 2020; 34:2102-2112. [PMID: 32457354 PMCID: PMC7387306 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-020-0867-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In 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. Fifty-six percent of patients reported fear or anxiety during treatment discontinuation, whereas only 7% of patients were asked if they needed psychological support during this period. Where patients re-initiated treatment; 59% felt scared or anxious, and 56% felt depressed. Twenty-six percent of re-initiated patients received psychological and/or emotional support at this time. Sixty percent of patients experienced withdrawal symptoms whilst discontinuing treatment, however, 40% of patients who experienced withdrawal symptoms reported that they were not fully supported by their doctor in managing all the symptoms. Healthcare professionals should further consider how they monitor the psychological well-being of patients who are discontinuing or re-initiating treatment, and review what support is offered in response to identified concerns. Surveillance of withdrawal symptoms should be a priority during treatment discontinuation, along with how healthcare professionals assist in the management of these.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giora Sharf
- CML Advocates Network, Bern, Switzerland
- Israeli CML Patients Organization, Netanya, Israel
| | | | | | | | - Felice Bombaci
- CML Advocates Network, Bern, Switzerland
- Gruppo AIL Pazienti Leucemia Mieloide Cronica, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita I O Christensen
- CML Advocates Network, Bern, Switzerland
- LyLe Patientforeningenen for Lymfekræft Leukæmi og MDS, Sealand Region, Denmark
| | - Bahija Gouimi
- CML Advocates Network, Bern, Switzerland
- Association des malades atteints de leucémies AMAL, Marrakech, Morocco
| | | | - Mina Daban
- CML Advocates Network, Bern, Switzerland
- LMC France, Marseille, France
| | - Jan Geissler
- CML Advocates Network, Bern, Switzerland
- LeukaNET e.V, Riemerling, Germany
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Raanani P, Sharf G. Interview with a Patients' Advocate. Acta Haematol 2019; 143:1-4. [PMID: 31590169 DOI: 10.1159/000502731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pia Raanani
- Institute of Hematology, Davidoff Cancer Center, Beilinson Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Petah-Tikva, Israel,
| | - Giora Sharf
- Israeli CML Patients Organization, Netanya, Israel
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Leader A, Benyamini N, Gafter-Gvili A, Dreyer J, Calvarysky B, Amitai A, Yarchovsky-Dolberg O, Sharf G, Tousset E, Caspi O, Ellis M, Levi I, De Geest S, Raanani P. Effect of Adherence-enhancing Interventions on Adherence to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Treatment in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (TAKE-IT): A Quasi-experimental Pre–Post Intervention Multicenter Pilot Study. Clinical Lymphoma Myeloma and Leukemia 2018; 18:e449-e461. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clml.2018.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Leader A, Gafter-Gvili A, Benyamini N, Dreyer J, Calvarysky B, Amitai A, Yarchovsky-Dolberg O, Sharf G, Tousset E, Caspi O, Ellis M, Levi I, Raanani P, De Geest S. Identifying Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Nonadherence in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Subanalysis of TAKE-IT Pilot Study. Clin Lymphoma Myeloma Leuk 2018; 18:e351-e362. [PMID: 30122203 DOI: 10.1016/j.clml.2018.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 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. PATIENTS AND METHODS CML patients receiving a TKI for any duration were enrolled at 4 hematology institutes, and adherence was measured for 4 months. EM adherence was the reference adherence measure, expressed as the percentage of days with the drug taken as prescribed. Subjective adherence was measured using the Basel Assessment of Adherence to Immunosuppressive Medications Scale (BAASIS) self-report and clinician-reported visual analog scale (VAS) at 2 time points. Baseline theory-derived correlates of NA were identified using single and multiple regression analysis. The diagnostic accuracy of BAASIS and clinician-reported VAS was tested against an exploratory EM NA cutoff of < 95%. RESULTS The median EM adherence (n = 55) was 97.5% (range, 48-100%), while the 25th percentile was 92.1%. Lack of membership in a CML patient support group, living alone, and third-line treatment were associated with EM NA on multiple regression analysis. The BAASIS self-report (n = 94) had a sensitivity of 67% and a specificity of 71% for diagnosing NA, while clinician-reported VAS (n = 89) had a sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 42%. CONCLUSION A quarter of patients had potentially clinically meaningful NA. These NA correlates and the BAASIS provide a basis for identifying nonadherent patients who can be targeted by interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avi Leader
- Institute of Hematology, Davidoff Cancer Center, Beilinson Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
| | - Anat Gafter-Gvili
- Institute of Hematology, Davidoff Cancer Center, Beilinson Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel; Department of Medicine A, Beilinson Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Noam Benyamini
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Juliet Dreyer
- Institute of Hematology, Davidoff Cancer Center, Beilinson Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Bronya Calvarysky
- Department of Pharmacy, Beilinson Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Alina Amitai
- Department of Pharmacy, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel
| | - Osnat Yarchovsky-Dolberg
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel; Hematology Institute and Blood Bank, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel
| | - Giora Sharf
- Israeli CML Patients Organization, Netanya, Israel
| | | | - Opher Caspi
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel; Integrative medicine and Cancer Survivorship Program; Davidoff Cancer Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Martin Ellis
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel; Integrative medicine and Cancer Survivorship Program; Davidoff Cancer Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Itai Levi
- Hematology Institute, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Pia Raanani
- Institute of Hematology, Davidoff Cancer Center, Beilinson Hospital, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Sabina De Geest
- Institute of Nursing Science, Department Public Health, University of Basel, Switzerland; Academic Center of Nursing and Midwifery, Department Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Belgium
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Saglio G, Sharf G, Almeida A, Bogdanovic A, Bombaci F, Čugurović J, Deekes N, Garcia-Gutiérrez V, de Jong J, Narbutas Š, Westerweel P, Zackova D. Considerations for Treatment-free Remission in Patients With Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: A Joint Patient-Physician Perspective. Clin Lymphoma Myeloma Leuk 2018; 18:375-379. [PMID: 29753691 DOI: 10.1016/j.clml.2018.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Treatment-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. The present report outlines 5 key topic areas on discontinuing tyrosine kinase therapy and the implications of TFR for patient-physician consideration: what TFR is; when TFR is appropriate; which patients might and might not be eligible for TFR; and patients' considerations for discontinuing therapy, such as tyrosine kinase withdrawal syndrome, potential psychological implications, molecular recurrence, and repeat treatment. This Steering Group advocates that patients with chronic myeloid leukemia should have access to high-quality, frequent molecular monitoring and be treated in a specialist center with appropriate medical and psychological support. As patient concerns with attempting TFR become forefront in patient-physician discussions, a greater number of eligible patients might be willing to discontinue therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Saglio
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
| | | | | | - Andrija Bogdanovic
- Clinical Centre of Serbia, University of Belgrade, School of Medicine, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Felice Bombaci
- Gruppo AIL Pazienti Leucemia Mieloide Cronica, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Jan de Jong
- Hematon Foundation, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Daniela Zackova
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
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Geissler J, Sharf G, Cugurovic J, Padua R, Narbutas Š, Remic M, Venkatesh V. Chronic myeloid leukemia patients call for quality and consistency when generics are introduced to treat their cancer. Leukemia 2016; 30:2396-2397. [PMID: 27484147 PMCID: PMC5155028 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2016.220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J Geissler
- Leukemia Patient Advocates Foundation, Bern, Switzerland
- LeukaNET e.V., Riemerling, Germany
| | - G Sharf
- Leukemia Patient Advocates Foundation, Bern, Switzerland
- Israeli CML Patients Organization, Netanya, Israel
| | | | - R Padua
- Touched by Max, Navotas City, The Philippines
| | - Š Narbutas
- Lithuanian Cancer Patient Coalition, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - M Remic
- Slovenian Lymphoma and Leukemia Patient Association, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Efficace F, Baccarani M, Breccia M, Saussele S, Abel G, Caocci G, Guilhot F, Cocks K, Naeem A, Sprangers M, Oerlemans S, Chie W, Castagnetti F, Bombaci F, Sharf G, Cardoni A, Noens L, Pallua S, Salvucci M, Nicolatou-Galitis O, Rosti G, Mandelli F. International development of an EORTC questionnaire for assessing health-related quality of life in chronic myeloid leukemia patients: the EORTC QLQ-CML24. Qual Life Res 2013; 23:825-36. [PMID: 24026634 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-013-0523-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 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. The process was divided into 3 phases: (1) generation of relevant HRQOL issues, (2) operationalization of the HRQOL issues into a set of items, and (3) pretesting the questionnaire for relevance and acceptability. Descriptive statistics and psychometric analyses were also performed. RESULTS Overall, 655 CML patients were enrolled in 10 countries including the USA and countries in Europe and Asia. Interviews with health-care professionals experienced in CML (n = 59) were also conducted. Results from the interviews, clinical experiences, and statistical analyses were used to develop the EORTC QLQ-CML24. The final module consists of 24 items assessing the following aspects: symptom burden, impact on daily life and on worry/mood, body image problems, and satisfaction with care and with social life. Internal consistency, assessed with Cronbach's alpha coefficients, ranged from 0.73 to 0.83 for the proposed scales. CONCLUSION The EORTC QLQ-CML24 is an internationally developed HRQOL questionnaire for CML patients, and its implementation in clinical research and practice can provide important information to facilitate clinical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Efficace
- Italian Group for Adult Hematologic Diseases GIMEMA, Data Center and Health Outcomes Research Unit, Via Benevento, 6, 00161, Rome, Italy,
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