Real-world treatment landscape and disease burden of myelofibrosis in Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and Canada.
Key claim: In a real-world cross-sectional survey across Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and Canada, most myelofibrosis patients had anemia at symptom onset, received first-line ruxolitinib at reduced doses when anemic, and expressed significant dissatisfaction with transfusion burden and symptom control.
Abstract
AIM: To explore physicians and patients’ views on managing myelofibrosis (MF) with anemia, and impact on quality of life, disease burden, and treatment choices. METHODS: Adelphi MF I Disease Specific Programme™ data were derived from a cross-sectional survey, with retrospective data collected from hematologists/hemato-oncologists and patients in Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, and Canada (May2024-January2025). RESULTS: Eighty-six physicians completed the survey. Most considered improving/stabilizing hemoglobin (83-90%), reducing MF symptom severity (84-92%), and reducing transfusions (83-89%) as very/extremely important attributes in treatment choice.Overall, 283 patients completed patient record forms (median age: 70 years; 58% male). At symptom-onset, 69% had anemia. Median hemoglobin levels at anemia diagnosis and before first blood transfusion: 9.0 g/dL and 7.0 g/dL. First-line treatment was primarily ruxolitinib (99%). Overall, patients with anemia vs without had a mean ruxolitinib dosage of 19.1 mg/day vs 25.2 mg/day. Median duration in the clinic to receive transfusion was 4.0 hours. Patients were “dissatisfied” or “neither satisfied/dissatisfied” with hospital visits for transfusions (71%), symptom reduction/control (41%), and the number and severity of side effects (59%). CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with MF had anemia and received first-line ruxolitinib. Improving hemoglobin levels and reducing symptom severity and transfusion burden are critical for guiding treatment choice.
Why this matters
Pending synthesis.