Depressive symptoms and myeloproliferative neoplasms: Understanding the confounding factor in a complex condition

Document Type

Article

Abstract

© 2020 The Authors. Cancer Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. Background: Philadelphia chromosome negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), including essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera, and myelofibrosis, have severe function-limiting symptom burden that is experienced by the majority of patients. Previous studies have suggested that depression may be present in over a quarter of MPN patients, but to date no studies have evaluated the relationship between depression and other variables such as symptoms. Methods: A 70-item internet based survey regarding fatigue and mood symptoms was developed by a multidisciplinary team of MPN investigators, patients and patient advocates including Patient Health Questionnaire and the Myeloproliferative Neoplasm Symptom Assessment Form was completed by over 1300 patients with MPN diagnosis. Results: There were 309 respondents (23%) with PHQ-2 scores ≥ 3. In this analysis, we found worse systemic symptom burden in individuals reporting depressive symptoms. Conclusion: This analysis suggests the importance of depression in contributing to as well as confounding symptomatology in MPN patients, and suggests that this critical variable should also be addressed by clinicians and researchers alike when comprehensively assessing symptom burden etiologies.

Publication Date

11-1-2020

Publication Title

Cancer Medicine

Volume

9

Issue

22

First Page

8301

Last Page

8309

PubMed ID

32976697

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1002/cam4.3380

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