Patient-Reported Functional Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Myeloid Leukemia After Stopping Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors

Treatment-free remission (TFR) is a goal for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Functional outcomes after discontinuing tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment have not been described. Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) measures of social, physical, cognitive, and sexual function were assessed over 36 months in 172 adult patients with chronic phase CML from 14 sites at baseline (on TKI) and after discontinuation. Linear mixed-effects models described the average trajectories for each patient-reported outcome measure after discontinuation and in those who restarted TKI. Of 112 patients in TFR at 12 months, 103 (92.0%) had a 3-point or greater improvement in social function, 80 (71.4%) in social isolation, 11 (9.8%) in satisfaction with sex life, 4 (3.6%) in physical function, and no patients had a 3-point or greater improvement in cognitive function or interest in sexual activity. Patients' scores worsened after restarting TKI. This novel information on functional outcomes in TFR can help guide patient and clinician decision making.

Automated summary

Treatment-free remission (TFR) is an important goal for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients. A study found that patients experienced improvements in social, physical, and sexual function after discontinuing tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment, but no significant improvement in cognitive function or interest in sexual activity. Scores worsened for patients who restarted TKI.