Blood Res.  2021 Mar;56(1):31-37. 10.5045/br.2021.2020260.

Real-world management of chronic myeloid leukemia in South Korea: the TARGET survey

• Uhm J
• Kim KH
• Lee H
• Kim H
• Cassandra S
• Joo I
• Jung CW

• KMID: 2514062
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5045/br.2021.2020260

Abstract

Background
The global TARGET survey examined real-world management of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) compared with international guideline recommendations. This report focused on the responses of physicians from South Korea compared with those of physicians from the rest of the world (ROW).
Methods
The self-administered, online survey, comprising 23 questions and clinical case scenarios, was completed between April and August 2017. It was designed to gather information on practicing physicians and local practices for CML diagnosis, disease monitoring, treatment, and adverse event (AE) management.
Results
While there were similarities in the mutation analysis and treatment efficacy between Korea and the ROW, there were also differences in CML management. Initial diagnostic testing was more comprehensive in Korea than in the ROW, and there was significantly better access to standardized polymerase chain reaction testing. Assessment of BCR-ABL levels during the first 12 months of treatment was excellent in Korea, and there was greater frontline use of second-generation BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Korean physicians were significantly less likely to switch therapy for hematologic AEs. Treatment-free remission was not an important goal of therapy among Korean or ROW physicians.
Conclusion
This study identified some differences in the current CML management between Korea and the ROW; CML management in Korean patients was generally in line with the current guidelines.

Keyword

Chronic myeloid leukemia; Management; Tyrosine kinase inhibitors; Real-life practice; Treatment-free remission

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Most important first-line treatment objectives. The respondents assigned a priority from 1 (most important) to 8 (least important) for the listed first-line treatment objectives. Abbreviations: AP, accelerated phase; BC, blast crisis; CCyR, complete cytogenetic response; DMR, deep molecular response; EMR, early molecular response; MMR, major molecular response; ROW, rest of the world; TFR, treatment-free remission.

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  Fig. 2 Most important factors for attempting TFR. Each of the respondents assigned a priority from 1 (most important) to 7 (least important). Abbreviations: DMR, deep molecular response; ROW, rest of the world; TFR, treatment-free remission; TKI, tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

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