Identifying Key Factors Influencing Non-adherence to Imatinib Therapy in Patients With Chronic Myeloid Leukemia

The effective treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) remains a challenge due to patient non-adherence to imatinib. Medication non-adherence can lead to poor treatment outcomes, increased healthcare costs, and potential development of drug resistance in patients. In this study, we aimed to assess the factors associated with non-adherence to imatinib therapy in newly diagnosed CML patients.

In this study, 82 adult patients initiated on imatinib therapy were recruited. Adherence was measured using the medication possession ratio (MPR) and visual analogue scale (VAS) at 90 days. Demographic, clinical and quality-of-life variables were assessed at baseline. Pearson's correlation and linear regression analyses were performed to identify associations and independent predictors of non-adherence, respectively.

A total of 22% (18/82) of patients were non-adherent (MPR ≤ 85). Self-reported adherence via VAS correlated significantly with MPR. Among various factors, cognitive function score and occurrence of an adverse drug reaction (ADR) were associated with adherence. The impact of disease on daily life score was negatively associated with adherence. The independent predictors of adherence were role function score and impact of disease on mood score.

This study identified cognitive and role function, impact of disease on daily life and mood and occurrence of ADR as variables influencing non-adherence to imatinib in CML patients. Early identification of these factors can guide interventions to improve adherence and treatment outcomes.