Considerations for Treatment-free Remission in Patients With Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: A Joint Patient-Physician Perspective

Clin Lymphoma Myeloma Leuk. 2018 Jun;18(6):375-379. doi: 10.1016/j.clml.2018.04.005. Epub 2018 Apr 25.

Abstract

Treatment-free remission (TFR) after discontinuation of tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy is now an emerging treatment goal for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia, who have achieved a deep and stable response to treatment. Although guidance is now available, patients' questions regarding this progressive concept have yet to be addressed. The overall aim of this European Steering Group is a patient-centered approach that educates patients on their treatment options, including TFR, facilitates better patient-physician relationships, and meets patients' emotional and psychological needs. The present report outlines 5 key topic areas on discontinuing tyrosine kinase therapy and the implications of TFR for patient-physician consideration: what TFR is; when TFR is appropriate; which patients might and might not be eligible for TFR; and patients' considerations for discontinuing therapy, such as tyrosine kinase withdrawal syndrome, potential psychological implications, molecular recurrence, and repeat treatment. This Steering Group advocates that patients with chronic myeloid leukemia should have access to high-quality, frequent molecular monitoring and be treated in a specialist center with appropriate medical and psychological support. As patient concerns with attempting TFR become forefront in patient-physician discussions, a greater number of eligible patients might be willing to discontinue therapy.

Keywords: CML; CML advocates; TFR; TKIs (Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors); Therapy discontinuation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Decision Making
  • Humans
  • Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive / drug therapy*
  • Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive / mortality
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / prevention & control*
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Physician-Patient Relations*
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Quality of Life
  • Remission Induction / methods
  • Survival Rate
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Withholding Treatment*

Substances

  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases