OBJECTIVES : Limited research has been conducted to understand the real-world impact of chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression on patients’ lives. This study sought to identify the quantitative and qualitative impact of this chemotherapy-related consequence for patients.

METHODS : Following Institutional Review Board review, a survey of participants identified from an online U.S. patient panel was conducted in November/December 2019. Participants who self-identified as having lung, breast, or colorectal cancer, were treated with chemotherapy in the past year, and experienced ≥1 episode of myelosuppression were included. The survey was administered with predominantly close-ended questions. Descriptive statistics were utilized to summarize key findings.

RESULTS : 301 participants completed the online survey; 60% were female, most were aged >40 years. 75% were diagnosed with cancer within the last 3 years. 100 participants (33%) reported lung cancer, 48 (16%) reported colorectal cancer, and 153 (51%) reported breast cancer. 60% of participants were working. On a 1–5 scale rating overall impact, >60% felt myelosuppression strongly impacted (rated 4 or 5) their ability to complete daily tasks (e.g. cleaning, cooking, chores), work inside or outside the home, and/or socialize with others. More than 50% felt myelosuppression impacted relationships with their spouse, children, and extended family. One reported: “I had to severely curtail my social activities so I was not exposed to germs. I avoided family holiday activities [and] had some depression because of lack of social interaction and concern over potential infection.” 90 participants (30%) felt strongly that their oncologist did not understand their discomfort due to myelosuppression.

CONCLUSIONS : Even with the various approaches used to address chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression, patients describe a significant real-world burden that often isolates them from family and friends and renders them unable to work or perform tasks around the home. Additional insights from patients should be obtained to further elucidate the totality of life burden associated with myelosuppression.