Exploring perceptions in the management and treatment of polycythaemia vera in the UK

TL;DR

This study explores how polycythaemia vera is diagnosed and managed in the UK, highlighting adherence to guidelines and unmet needs in treatment and monitoring.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into current clinical practices and educational gaps in managing polycythaemia vera in the UK.

Findings

68% of respondents follow the BSH 2018 guidelines for diagnosing PV.

Hydroxycarbamide is the most common first-line treatment for PV patients.

Only 19% of practitioners regularly use MPN10 for symptom monitoring.

Abstract

Approximately 1140 people are diagnosed with polycythaemia vera (PV) annually in the United Kingdom (UK). Adherence to the British Society of Haematology (BSH) guidelines for PV diagnosis and management is not well understood. To explore UK’s PV diagnosis, management practices and unmet needs. A structured survey, co-developed with a UK haematology consultant, an advanced nurse practitioner and a pharmacist, was completed by 57/332 invited healthcare practitioners from July to October 2023 through 1:1 interviews conducted by Novartis Medical Science Liaisons. Results were analysed descriptively. Most respondents (68%) follow the BSH 2018 guidelines for diagnosing PV. Treatment goals are to reduce thromboembolic event risk and control haematocrit and symptoms. Most patients (68%) were receiving cytoreductive therapy (typically first-line hydroxycarbamide); 28% received antiplatelet medication and/or venesection alone. Stable patients are usually monitored every 3 months through telephone (68%), increasing to monthly when uncontrolled, mainly in-person (54%). General practitioners (56%) manage cardiovascular risks, but there is doubt over referral response. All respondents monitor symptoms, with only 19% regularly using MPN10. The greatest educational need was identifying hydroxycarbamide resistance and intolerance (58%). This survey offers insights into therapeutic approaches and areas for improvement in the UK’s PV clinical practice.

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