Novartis has announced new data from the MPN Landmark survey, with clinicians reporting more than a quarter of their MPN patients are managed with watchful waiting at diagnosis.1
Although most patients in the survey reported low symptom burden, more than one in five (22%) reported moderate to high burden, highlighting the need for proactive and standardised symptom assessment at diagnosis and during the course of treatment.1
The cross-sectional MPN Landmark survey assesses the treatment of patients with myelofibrosis (MF), polycythemia vera (PV), and essential thrombocythemia (ET), which are rare and life-threatening blood cancers collectively known as MPNs.1 Findings from the survey, conducted in Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom, were presented at 22nd Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA) in Madrid, Spain.
A sub-group analysis of the survey, comparing UK patients and clinicians with the rest of the survey population (rest of surveyed world [ROSW]), highlights higher symptom burden in the UK, as reported by patients in 28 of the 31 symptoms investigated, including fatigue and tiredness (UK – 87% MF and PV, 86% ET; ROSW – 64% MF, 39% PV, 45% ET)2. UK patients also reported greater overall disease burden, with 35% UK patients in the high symptom burden group, versus 16% ROSW patients.2
In contrast to the patient findings, UK clinicians did not perceive a greater symptom severity among their patients, revealing a potential disconnect in perceptions. However, with more patients under their care than their ROSW counterparts, UK clinicians felt they have less time to fully discuss symptoms and discuss management plans with their patients.2
Dr. Claire Harrison, Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom said: “MPNs place a significant burden on patients, with symptoms impacting on their quality of life. Findings from the MPN Landmark survey highlight the need for individual patient evaluation and a tailored management and treatment according to their specific circumstances. While watchful waiting remains a mainstay of MPN management, wider measures should be considered to detect and mitigate symptom burden amongst these patients.”
Findings from the UK sub-group analysis also revealed a greater desire among UK patients to be involved in treatment decisions compared to ROSW patients (mean: UK – 6.25; RPSW – 7.01). UK patients were also more likely to disagree with their clinician on primary treatment recommendations than those in ROSW (16% vs. 7%).3
With high symptom burden an important issue for MPN patients, findings from the MPN Landmark survey emphasise the importance and benefit of patient-clinician communication, to improve patient satisfaction with treatment in the UK.
About the International MPN Landmark Survey
The international MPN Landmark survey, conducted between May and October 2016, is a cross-sectional, internet-based survey of patients with MPNs (myelofibrosis (MF), polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET)) and clinicians who treat these conditions across Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, Japan, Canada and Australia. Patients (699 in total with 286 from the UK) and clinicians were recruited independently.1
References
- Koschmieder, S. et al. Treatment and management of patients with MPNs – Findings from the international MPN LANDMARK Survey. Poster presentation. Abstract #P706. 2017 European Hematology Association Congress in Madrid, Spain.
- Harrison, C. et al. Comparisons of symptom burden in myeloproliferative neoplasm patients in the UK vs rest of world: Analysis from the International LANDMARK Survey. Abstract: PB2051. 2017 European Hematology Association Congress in Madrid, Spain.
- Harrison, C. et al. Comparisons of patient management in myeloproliferative neoplasm patients in the UK vs rest of world: Analysis from the International LANDMARK Survey. Abstract: PB2045. 2017 European Hematology Association Congress in Madrid, Spain.
