Imatinib Mesylate Adherence in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients: Data from Middle Euphrates Region of Iraq

Abstract

Ahmed Mjali, Saja Khudhiar Abba

Background: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) represents about one quarter of leukemia cases in our region making it a great challenge to the health system.
Aims: Since adherence to imatinib contributes to optimal cytogenetic and molecular responses in CML patients, ours. study tries to evaluate imatinib adherence in Middle Euphrates region of Iraq.
Materials & Methods: This study was conducted in Al- Hussein cancer center in Karbala province of Iraq between November 2011 and August 2019. There were 67 CML patients treated with imatinib, their adherence was assessed by using the 9-items Morisky Medication Adherence Scale, while response was evaluated by measuring BCR-ABL1 transcription level in peripheral blood.
Results: Only 26.87% of our patients were adherent. Unavailability of drug was the most common cause of poor adherence in 73.13% of patients. Patients with good adherence were more likely to achieve an optimum response (P value =0.007).
Conclusion: Our results showed that adherence to imatinib was very low in our region. Economic factor (Unaffordable drug prices) was the main cause leading to suboptimal response. Therefore, efforts should be made to provide drugs to our patients. That will help in improve adherence and treatment outcomes.