Journal of Applied Hematology (Jan 2017)
Assessment of chronic myeloid leukemia patients' adherence with “tyrosine kinase inhibitors” in King Abdulaziz Medical City
Abstract
CONTEXT: Worldwide, chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) accounts for 15% of all leukemia types. CML treatment and outcome has improved dramatically from the average survival of 3–5 years in the past to almost normal life expectancy with the new targeted therapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). Compliance of CML patients with oral TKIs is a medically challenging issue preventing achieving a favorable outcome. AIMS: The aim of this study is to assess CML patients' adherence to treatment in King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This is a prospective, observational study that includes all patients diagnosed with CML in KAMC-Riyadh (KAMC-R) where patients were interviewed before receiving TKI prescription and during a subsequent visit. Consent, demographics, and medication data were obtained in the first encounter. Compliance and reasons for noncompliance were assessed using pill count methods during the second visit. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. RESULTS: A total of 63 CML patients are followed and treated in KAMC-R at the time of conducting this study. Sixteen patients were excluded from the study due to either loss of follow-up or using a non-TKI treatment option. The study was conducted on 47 patients; male:female ratio was 20 (40%):28 (60%). The mean age was 51 years (range 23–76 years). Twenty-four patients (51%) were fully compliant to the TKIs while 23 patients (49%) were not compliant. The study reported three main reasons for noncompliance, drug toxicity in 7 patients (30%), forgetfulness in 7 patients (30%), and ignorance in 2 patients (9%). CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study assessing compliance of CML patients with TKIs among Saudi population. Noncompliance with TKIs is a major health-care problem affecting the outcome of treatment. Stressing on patient education before and during TKIs treatment might improve the compliance.
Keywords