Improving quality of life for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia through supportive care, low-dose therapy, switching, and treatment-free remission

Abstract

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a hematologic malignancy that has become a largely manageable condition when treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). However, the lifelong treatment course required for most patients is associated with side effects and toxicities that can impact patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQOL). This review synthesizes current evidence on strategies to optimize HRQOL for patients on TKIs. This can be achieved through supportive care to manage TKI-related symptoms, dose adjustments, switching to a different TKI, or treatment discontinuation for select patients. We examine the clinical rationale and empirical support for each approach. Emphasis is placed on the importance of clear patient-physician communication and authentic shared decision-making and individualized care to address the needs and experiences of patients and to improve HRQOL.