Quality of life in chronic myeloid leukaemia patients after haematopoietic cell transplantation pretreated with second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors

Aim of the study: The majority of patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) respond to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI), while allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is indicated in selected clinical situations. HCT carries the risk of severe complications, while the toxicity profile of dasatinib and nilotinib may lead to adverse reactions affecting the quality of life (QoL). We present the results of observational analysis of CML patients who underwent HCT after exposure to second-generation TKI (TKI2), with respect to their quality of life assessed comparatively after transplantation. Material and methods: Eligible subjects included 19 patients. The quality of life and global health assessment were performed with a questionnaire comparing the signs and symptoms present during the TKI2-therapy with those related to post-transplant complications, including psychosocial problems. Results and conclusions: Most patients had no/few problems with exhausting activities, no/few difficulties during long-distance walks, and do not/rarely rest in the daytime. Seventeen (89.5%) patients reported at least one symptom related to TKI2-therapy and most of them disappeared after HCT. Thirteen (68.4%) patients noted no serious complication after HCT. Most patients claimed to have a very good QoL and general health compared to the period prior to HCT. We found statistically significant improvement in global health (p = 0.016) and QoL (p = 0.043) after HCT. From the survivors perspective, HCT influence positively general health and QoL comparing to TKI2-therapy period. Further studies on larger group of patients will more precisely define the QoL level and possible predictors of changes in QoL, to assess which group of patients needs psychological support.