Aligning Treatment Goals in R/R FL: Physician vs Patient Perspectives
Panelists discuss how treatment in the third-line setting for relapsed/refractory follicular lymphoma (R/R FL) should balance durable disease control with quality-of-life considerations, emphasizing the importance of shared decision-making to align clinical strategies with individual patient goals and preferences.
Summary for Physicians:
Topic: Treatment Goals in the Third-Line Setting for R/R FL
Key Points:
- Physician Treatment Goals:
- In the third-line setting, the primary clinical goals often include the following:
- Achieving durable disease control
- Minimizing toxicity and preserving quality of life
- Avoiding rapid progression or transformation
- Delaying the need for additional lines of therapy
- Physicians also aim to select therapies that offer a favorable balance between efficacy and tolerability, particularly given patients’ prior exposure to treatments and cumulative toxicities.
- In the third-line setting, the primary clinical goals often include the following:
- Patient-Centered Goals and Expectations:
- Patients may prioritize different aspects of care depending on their experiences and disease burden. Common patient goals include the following:
- Maintaining independence and daily functioning
- Reducing symptom burden (eg, fatigue, discomfort from lymphadenopathy)
- Avoiding hospitalization or intensive therapies
- Minimizing adverse effects and treatment-related disruptions to lifestyle
- Patients may prioritize different aspects of care depending on their experiences and disease burden. Common patient goals include the following:
- Alignment and Shared Decision-Making:
- While there is often overlap between physician and patient goals, alignment is not always perfect. Open communication is essential to understand patient preferences, address misconceptions, and ensure that the chosen treatment plan reflects both clinical appropriateness and the patient’s values.
- Incorporating shared decision-making improves adherence, satisfaction, and overall outcomes.
Clinical Implication: In the third-line setting for R/R FL, physicians should balance treatment efficacy with quality-of-life considerations and actively engage in shared decision-making to ensure care is aligned with each patient's unique goals and expectations.
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