Adherence to ruxolitinib, an oral JAK1/2 inhibitor, in patients with myelofibrosis: interim analysis from an Italian, prospective cohort study (ROMEI)

ROMEI, a prospective, observational study in patients with myelofibrosis receiving the oral JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib in real-world practice, assesses treatment adherence based on the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Here, we present MMAS-8 results at week 24. Overall, 101 of 188 evaluable patients completed the questionnaire at every visit (full completers). Mean (+/- standard deviation) total MMAS-8 scores remained stable from week 4 to week 24 in the overall population (7.54 +/- 0.77 and 7.67 +/- 0.70, respectively) and full completers (7.53 +/- 0.79 and 7.67 +/- 0.73, respectively). Rates of low (MMAS-8 <6) or medium (MMAS-8 >= 6 to <8) adherence were 25-40% and 26-36%, respectively. Fifty-five full completers (54%) reported >= 1 change in adherence category (improvement and/or worsening), most of which were associated with unintentional behavior. The data suggest that one-third of patients receiving ruxolitinib may be undertreated due to non-adherence, potentially undermining disease control, and indicate a need for better interventions addressing noncompliance to oral therapies.

Automated summary

The study findings suggest that about one-third of patients with myelofibrosis receiving ruxolitinib treatment may be undertreated due to non-adherence, highlighting the need for improved interventions to address noncompliance to oral therapies.