Objective:

To explore patient experiences, treatment patterns, and factors influencing clinical decision-making in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) to better understand unmet needs and potential barriers to optimal care.

Approach:

• Survey Design: A cross-sectional survey involving 146 adult patients with CML was conducted using a structured questionnaire assessing patient-reported outcomes (PROs), treatment-related burden, and care satisfaction.

Key Findings:

• 26% of patients reported low or very low quality of life (QoL).
• Fatigue, weakness, and muscle pain were the most frequently reported symptoms.
• Female patients reported a higher symptom burden and greater psychological distress compared to males.
• Despite high satisfaction with healthcare professionals, unmet needs regarding supportive services, long-term disease management, and fertility-related issues were identified.
• Treatment-related adverse events were common and frequently chronic, indicating a substantial cumulative burden over time.

Interpretation:

Patients with CML report a significant multidimensional burden, particularly in later treatment lines and specific subgroups.

Limitations:

• The study is based on self-reported data, which may be subject to bias.
• The sample size, while nationwide, may not fully represent all demographics of CML patients.

Conclusion:

The findings highlight the importance of addressing patient needs in CML management to improve quality of life.