Improving MPN Care Through Better Communication

Good communication between people with cancer and their health care team is essential. It can help patients express necessities and avoid complications. Good communication from doctors can reassure people undergoing a new treatment and reduce anxiety. That’s why exploring how communication impacts cancer care is crucial to improving quality of life for people with cancer. 

At the 2025 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) conference, a study titled ”Physician-patient communication and shared decision-making approaches in myeloproliferative neoplasm care” explored the role of communication in MPN patient-doctor relationships. 

Understanding the need for better communication in MPN care

About 20,000 people in the United States are diagnosed each year with myeloproliferative neoplasms, or MPNs, a group of blood cancers that affect the bone marrow and blood cell production. Around 300,000 people live with these conditions, which include myelofibrosis, polycythemia vera, and essential thrombocythemia.

Clinical outcomes in MPNs can differ based on age, race, and gender. That means patients from underrepresented communities may face additional challenges, including limited access to culturally sensitive care and barriers to communication with their doctors. These challenges can affect how well patients understand their condition, participate in decisions about their care, and manage symptoms or side effects.

Understanding and addressing these barriers is important so patients can receive the most informed and personalized care possible.

Introducing the EPEP MPN initiative

To help close communication gaps in MPN care, the Patient Empowerment Network developed the Empowering Providers to Empower Patients (EPEP) MPN initiative. This program aims to improve how doctors communicate with patients, especially in racially and culturally diverse settings.

In 2024, the initiative produced two expert roundtables and six short videos. These resources focused on:

• Shared decision-making 
• Provider accessibility 
• The importance of encouraging patients to ask questions.

One roundtable, “Breaking Through Myelofibrosis Practice Barriers,” highlighted a key message from Dr. Raajit K. Rampal: “We want to know that patients have questions. We want to make ourselves available to answer those questions… we have to make ourselves accessible.” This reflects the need for providers to be more proactive in creating a welcoming, supportive environment.

What did healthcare providers say about the program?

After viewing the EPEP roundtables, 26 healthcare professionals filled out surveys to share their feedback. Most were highly satisfied with the content and said it increased their confidence in facilitating shared decision-making with patients.

Participants also found the resources practical. They appreciated learning how to:

• Use language that patients can easily understand
• Emphasize cultural humility in their approach
• Connect patients with advocacy groups and support tools

These skills help providers better support patients in managing their condition and planning care that aligns with personal and quality of life goals.

This is especially important in MPNs, where treatments may affect each person differently and symptom management plays a large role in daily life.

What topics still need to be addressed?

Healthcare providers who participated in the program also gave feedback on what topics they would like to see in the future. These included:

• Helping patients recognize and manage symptoms and side effects
• Understanding the role of care partners in communication
• Clarifying how treatment goals may differ from quality-of-life goals

These topics reflect the real-life decisions that patients and families face and show that even experienced providers need tools to guide those conversations.

With over 12,000 views, the initiative is gaining traction and may be a model for improving communication across other cancers. With increased participation from healthcare professionals in these patient-centered conversations, more could be achieved in patient-doctor communication. 

Advocate for improved communication with your doctor

If you or a loved one has received an MPN diagnosis, advocating for clear and compassionate communication can improve understanding of your condition. Studies like these can increase your comfort in asking questions to your doctor. Programs like EPEP support this by giving healthcare teams practical tools to listen better, explain more clearly, and respect cultural perspectives in care.

Patients benefit when providers are equipped to communicate with empathy, cultural awareness, and a focus on shared decisions that reflect what matters most to each person.

To keep reading more news on MPN, treatment advances and conferences, click the button below. 

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Source: 

• Physician-patient communication and shared decision-making approaches in myeloproliferative neoplasm care.