Discussing Results with Patients

Patients who take a more active role in their treatment are more likely to follow physician direction and take their medication as prescribed, which ultimately can lead to better outcomes.^1,2 Brochures such as Reaching Your New Ph+ CML Treatment Goals may be available (depending on local legal and regulatory specifications) to help patients better understand their treatment and encourage them to take a more active role. Contact your local Novartis representative for more information.

Here are some answers to commonly asked questions that you may hear from your patients:

What is an RQ-PCR test?

An RQ-PCR test is a simple blood test that measures the number of Ph+ CML cells in your blood.³ It is an important test to perform because it is very sensitive. It can detect 1 Ph+ CML cell out of 100,000 cells, so it can detect very low numbers of remaining Ph+ CML cells.³ Remember, the lower the amount of Ph+ CML cells left in the blood, the less chance there is for Ph+ CML to relapse and progress.^4-6 Therefore, this test will help us know how well your treatment is working and help us make better decisions about your care.

What is a log drop?

An RQ-PCR test measures the number of Ph+ CML cells in your blood. The way it counts the decrease of cells is in terms of a log drop or log reduction.⁴ Each log reduction means you have 10 times fewer BCR-ABL genes than you had at diagnosis.⁷ For example, a 1 log reduction is the same as dividing the number of Ph+ cells you have at diagnosis by 10. Ultimately, what is most important is that the trend of your log reductions continues to decrease over time until you reach a major molecular response, which is equivalent to a 3-log reduction (or 0.1% BCR-ABL to control gene ratio on the international scale).⁴ Results from 2 landmark studies show that patients who have a major molecular response have a much better chance of remaining free from disease progression, or relapse.^8,9 This means their Ph+ CML cells didn’t increase for a long period of time.

When should I get a RQ-PCR test?

RQ-PCR tests are recommended at diagnosis and every 3 months until you achieve a major molecular response.¹⁰ After that, we will give you an RQ-PCR test every 6 months.¹⁰ These are simple blood tests that we will do when we regularly take blood to monitor your progress.

When should I expect to reach MMR?

Experts recommend certain response goals at different time points: a CHR at 3 months, a CCyR at 12 months, and an MMR within 18 months. We will continue to monitor your blood frequently to ensure the trend of Ph+ CML disease is continuing to go down and evaluate you according to response.¹⁰ It’s important to remember that you still need to take your medication every day as directed to keep Ph+ CML cells from coming back.

What happens if a result shows an increase?

You may receive a test result that doesn’t show a continued reduction of Ph+ CML cells. It’s not a cause for alarm. Results may vary from time to time for a number of reasons. For example, if you have missed doses, or if a different lab was used, the test results could vary. This doesn’t necessarily mean your Ph+ CML is relapsing and getting worse. We will simply schedule an extra test to make sure you are still on track.¹⁰

Why is it important for me to take my medicine as directed?

If you don’t take your medicine exactly as directed, it increases the chance that your Ph+ CML will relapse and get worse.^1,2 Clinical studies have shown that patients who take their CML medicine every day have significantly higher chances of reaching a major molecular response, which is linked to a significantly lower risk of their Ph+ CML relapsing and getting worse.^1,2,8

If your medication makes you feel bad, don’t skip a dose! I can help you manage most side effects by giving you over-the-counter medicines that may help you feel better. If you feel great and want to forget your disease, don’t skip a dose! Remember that you must take your medication as prescribed to achieve and maintain an optimal response.

How can I keep from forgetting to take my medicine?

There are a number of ways to help remind you take your medicine. These may include trying to link taking your medication to a daily ritual, setting a cell phone alarm, scheduling a meeting or appointment reminder to take your medicine, or enlisting a treatment buddy to help remind you. Remember that you must take your medication as prescribed to achieve and maintain an optimal response.^1,2

Why is a major molecular response an important treatment goal?

The optimal goal of therapy is to achieve and maintain a major molecular response, which greatly reduces the risk of Ph+ CML relapsing and getting worse. Results from 2 landmark studies show that patients who have a major molecular response have a much better chance of remaining free from disease progression, or relapse. This means their Ph+ CML cells didn’t increase for a long period of time.^8,9

What is a complete molecular response?

A complete molecular response is the absence of any detectable Ph+ CML cells in your body. Taking your medication as prescribed once you achieve a major molecular response may further reduce the number of Ph+ CML cells remaining in your body to a level so low they are no longer detectable.⁷

Next: Maximizing Adherence

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