Assessing The Barrier And Facilitators Of Physical Activity In Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients

PURPOSE: Fatigue is a common symptom experienced by Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) patients on Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI) therapy that can reduce physical functioning and quality of life. Data in other cancers illustrates the successful mediation of fatigue through physical activity (PA) yet only 8% of cancer survivors meet PA guidelines. Further, there is no data regarding the barriers and facilitators of PA specific to CML patients. We used a mixed methods approach to determine the needs and preferences of CML patients for the development of a PA program intervention to mitigate fatigue. METHODS: Following informed consent, participants (N = 32) completed an online survey assessing their barriers and facilitators to PA and their preferences on PA program features as well as the PROMIS fatigue questionnaire. To assess PA, participants wore an activity monitor for 7 consecutive days. Descriptive statistics are reported to describe participant characteristics, baseline activity, fatigue levels, and program needs and preferences. Open-ended responses were analyzed using thematic content analysis. RESULTS: 7-day activity monitoring reveals that CML patients spend 66% of their time sedentary, 31% in light PA, and 3% in moderate PA. PROMIS fatigue questionnaire reports an average T score of 58 ± 9.7. In a PA program, participants desire utilization of a wearable activity tracker (84.6%), feedback on their activity level (80.8%), educational materials on how to perform exercises (80%), goal setting (84%), and symptom reporting (70.8%). The thematic content analysis extracted 5 key themes 1) treatment side effects inhibit PA; 2) perceived lack of time; 3) mental barriers to PA; 4) need for social support from other CML patients, family, and friends; 5) need for external motivating factors. CONCLUSIONS: CML patients on TKIs are inactive and experience moderate fatigue. They face barriers to PA and desire a personalized intervention to promote PA. Participants indicated their need for additional support with symptom burden, mental barriers, and social support. Results from this project will be used to develop an empirically designed and tailored physical activity program for patients with CML on TKI therapy to reduce fatigue, enhance survivorship, and increase quality of life. Institutional Research Grant IRG #19-138-34 from the American Cancer Society and the MCW Cancer Center