Why carry out this study?

The side effects of chemotherapy, including myelosuppression, remain a major source of concern for both patients and health care providers.

The consequences of chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression (CIM) include anemia, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia, all of which can cause severe complications, and limit the ability of patients to receive chemotherapy on time and at standard-of-care doses.

Prior research has documented patients’ perceptions of the side effects of chemotherapy; however, research into the real-world impact of CIM on patients’ lives is limited, and the ‘patient voice’ on CIM, and how it is currently managed, is lacking.

What was learned from the study?

Despite the current availability and use of various supportive care interventions, CIM places a substantial burden on patients with advanced solid tumors, impacting many aspects of their daily lives.

This survey provides valuable insights into patients’ perspectives on the impact and management of CIM, and suggests that methods to prevent or proactively manage CIM could improve the quality of life of patients receiving chemotherapy.