Management of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs)

Purpose To provide up to date guidance, practice recommendations and highlight barriers to medication adherence in the long-term management of chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Aim Current drug therapy for MPN is not curative and has not been shown to prolong survival. The main indication for treatment is the prevention of thrombosis and medication adherence remains a challenge in this group of patients. Identifying potentially modifiable barriers to medication adherence including primary nonadherence and non-persistent adherence enables timely interventions to be put in place and improve overall medication adherence. Methods A systematic review of peer-reviewed literature and expert opinions was performed using electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Web of Science) that were searched for articles reporting MPN and medication adherence. Discussions A case vignette is discussed throughout the article and expert opinion with international peer reviewed guidelines that are authored to support clinical decision making at the point of care were utilised. The evidence base was combined with more practical/clinical (data based) insight from real world clinical practice. Adoption of a broad range of digital health care activities and services in the health care system (telehealth applications) by the advanced practice providers (Non-Medical Prescribers-NMPs) in MPN clinics included medication prescribing and management, oral drug compliance and adherence evaluations, interventions, chronic care management, counselling and patient education on treatments. Conclusion Current drug therapy for MPN is neither curative nor has it been shown to prolong survival, and medication adherence remains a challenge in this group of patients. The longevity of the patients' disease course may contribute to the high risk of non-adherence in this patient cohort. Poor adherence to long-term therapies severely compromises the effectiveness of treatment. Adherence interventions should be tailored to the needs of the patient in order to achieve maximum impact. Interventions aimed at improving adherence provide the best experience and outcome for the patient and their families and can have a profound impact on the quality of life and mitigation of disease consequences.