A cross-sectional survey of symptoms and daily living among patients with polycythemia vera and their treating physicians in Japan

Objectives This Japanese cross-sectional survey evaluated the symptoms, daily living activities, and treatment needs of patients with polycythemia vera (PV), as perceived by patients themselves and their physicians. Methods The study was conducted at 112 centers (March to July 2022) and included PV patients aged & GE;20 years (n = 265) and their attending physicians (n = 151). The patient and physician questionnaires included 34 and 29 questions, respectively, to assess daily living, PV symptoms, treatment goals, and physician-patient communication. Results Concerning daily living (primary endpoint), work (13.2%), leisure activities (11.3%), and family life (9.6%) were most affected by PV symptoms. Patients aged <60 years more frequently reported an impact on daily living than patients aged & GE;60 years. Some patients (30%) reported anxiety about their future condition. The most common symptoms were pruritus (13.6%) and fatigue (10.9%). Pruritus was ranked as the first treatment need for patients, while physicians ranked it fourth. Concerning treatment goals, physicians prioritized thrombosis/vascular event prevention, while patients prioritized delaying PV progression. Physicians were less satisfied with physician-patient communication than patients. Conclusions Patients' daily living was largely affected by PV symptoms. There are differences in physician and patient perceptions of symptoms, daily living, and treatment needs in Japan.