How myeloproliferative neoplasms patients’ experience and expectations differ from physicians’: the international MPN Landmark survey

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Recent advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) were not paralleled with advances in treatment options; thus many questions regarding optimal MPN management remain unanswered. Here, we report the results of descriptive survey study of Korean MPN patients and their attending physicians. METHODS: A total of 105 Korean patients (myelofibrosis [MF], 39; polycythemia vera [PV], 25; essential thrombocythemia [ET], 41) and 30 physicians completed the Landmark Health Survey, then data from the survey were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the MPN-Symptom Assessment Form symptoms, the most severe symptom reported was ‘fatigue or tiredness’ in MF and ET patients and ‘itching’ in PV patients. The majority of the patients agreed that MPN reduced their quality of life (QoL). Interestingly, physicians gave higher scores regarding the impact of MPN on patient’s daily and social life compared to patients themselves. For patients, the most important treatment goal was symptom improvement regardless of MPN subtype, while for physicians the highest priority for treatment was better QoL regardless of MPN subtype. Generally, both patients and physicians were satisfied with the overall treatment/management of MPN and communications. However, many patients felt there was not enough time during the appointment for discussion, while many physicians felt they lacked effective drugs to offer to their patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests there are room for better-standardized monitoring of symptoms and treatment options and those continuous efforts to bridge the gap between patients and physicians are necessary for better care of MPN patients.