Patient and physician perceptions about blood transfusions in the myelodysplastic syndromes

Little is known about the shared decision-making between patients with transfusion-dependent (TD) myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and their physicians about the benefits, risks, and alternatives to reduce the need for blood transfusions.

We conducted interviews and two cross-sectional surveys of MDS patients and MDS physicians in the US about the use of blood transfusions and disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). Responses from 157 MDS patients and 109 MDS physicians were analyzed.

The TD-MDS patient cohort had a median age of 69 years and a greater proportion of lower IPSS risk. The MDS physicians primarily practiced in large centers, evenly distributed between academic and community hospitals. There was a high level of independence and generally positive quality of life among patients, who were mostly concerned about effectiveness of blood transfusions and iron overload. MDS patients with shorter duration of disease (less than 5 years) were primarily concerned with transfusion reaction, while MDS patients with longer duration of disease were primarily concerned with iron overload. Approximately half of TD-MDS patients stated they had not discussed alternatives to reduce the need for blood transfusions with their physician. Patients with longer duration of disease were more likely to have a discussion with their physician about alternatives to blood transfusions. Physicians stated that they administered blood transfusions as primary therapy for MDS when it was patient preference, advanced age of patient, frailty, lower risk MDS, significant comorbidities, or failed prior treatments.

While quality of life seemed generally positive in TD-MDS patients, there were differing perceptions about blood transfusions between patients and physicians. In the future, appraisal and optimization of the informed consent process between MDS patients and physicians are needed.