A survey on the management of chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase from the perspectives of both patients and physicians

The lifespan of patients with chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia undergoing tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment has nearly reached that of the general population. However, treatment switching due to resistance or intolerance demonstrates the significance of effective communication between patients and physicians in decision-making. This study aimed to evaluate priorities, expectations, and perceptions of managing CML-CP from the perspective of both patients and physicians in Türkiye. This cross-sectional survey study was conducted from July to December 2024 by the Turkish Society of Hematology. A total of 129 hematologists completed a web-based survey, while 120 patients receiving TKI treatment completed a structured telephone survey. Eleven common questions were analyzed descriptively to compare perspectives. Patients (53% male; median age 54 years) and physicians agreed on essential information to be communicated at treatment start, although priorities differed. Patients prioritized information about disease progression, daily life impact, and treatment effectiveness, whereas physicians focused on treatment safety, patient monitoring, and follow-up assessments. Patients (40.8%) emphasized treatment effectiveness when switching therapies, while physicians (46.7%) focused on the manageability of adverse events. Approximately 25% of patients reported suboptimal adherence, mostly due to forgetfulness (52%). Follow-up visits occurred every 2 to 3 months, with a mean duration of approximately 10 min. Although patients and physicians shared broadly similar views, discrepancies existed in their prioritization of factors and overall opinions. Patients expressed greater optimism regarding the disease impact on their daily lives. Enhancing communication between patients and physicians, as well as promoting shared decision-making during treatment transitions, may improve adherence and disease management outcomes.