PROs of complementary and alternative medicine in BCR::ABL1-negative MPN

Results from a recent study, assessing the interest in and use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in patients with BCR::ABL1-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN; N = 166), were published in the Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology by Crodel et al. Patient-level data were collected through the use of a patient-reported questionnaire. 

Key data: Overall, 51.8% of patients reported using CAM, with higher usage among females (59.6%) compared with males (41.7%; p = 0.022). Types of CAM included dietary regimens, vitamin and mineral supplements, acupuncture, yoga/Tai Chi/Qi Gong, prayer, homeopathy, and mistletoe. Patients with essential thrombocythemia (ET) reported a higher use of CAM vs patients with myelofibrosis (MF; 65.2% vs 37.2%; p = 0.002); 55% of patients with polycythemia vera (PV) used CAM. Among 153 respondents, 45.1% expressed an interest in CAM, 43.5% of whom developed an interest following diagnosis; 28.8% reported no interest in CAM and 26.1% were uncertain. Some CAM (such as apricot kernels / amygdalin and St. John’s wort) poses potential risks, including toxicity, malnutrition, and clinically relevant drug interactions.

Key learning: Interest in and usage of CAM is common in patients with BCR::ABL1-negative MPN; healthcare providers should proactively discuss CAM with patients to ensure safe integration with conventional treatments.