Strategies for adhering to oral medications for MCL

The lymphatic system is the body’s network of vessels, nodes, and organs that support the immune system. It runs parallel to the blood vessels, helping transport infection-fighting cells (like white blood cells) throughout the body and helping remove unwanted substances (like excess fluid).

Lymphomas are a group of cancers that begin in the lymphatic system, with mutations to white blood cells called lymphocytes. These mutations cause lymphocytes to become malignant or cancerous. Lymphoma cells will not function like healthy cells, and will multiply and spread in an uncontrolled way.

Mantle cell lymphoma

There are many types of lymphoma. Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a rare and often aggressive type of lymphoma that begins in the lymph nodes, small bean-shaped structures that act as filters for the lymphatic vessels. It is called mantle cell lymphoma because it begins in a part of the lymph node called the mantle zone.

As MCL progresses, it can lead to serious complications, causing low white blood cell counts (and an increased risk of serious infection) and spreading into the GI tract, lungs, nervous system, and blood vessels.

Treatment recommendations will vary from person to person. Non-aggressive cancers may only require active surveillance, or monitoring for signs of progression (with treatment beginning if the cancer progresses). Aggressive cases will require treatment, with a goal of remission (where the cancer is not cured, but under control).

The main treatments for MCL are systemic therapies like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy drugs. Treatment may also include radiation therapy, and in some cases, stem cell transplantation. Again, treatment recommendations vary from person to person.

Oral medications for cancer

In some cases, a person treating MCL may be prescribed a therapy that is taken as an oral medication. These medications will need to be taken daily. While this may sound simple, many people encounter barriers that prevent them from adhering to their dosing schedule for their cancer medications.

With that in mind, here are some tips and strategies that may help with adhering to a dosing schedule for an oral medication:

Tips and strategies for adhering to an oral cancer medication:

• Have clear instructions from your healthcare provider about how and when to take the medication.
• Set an alarm or reminder on your phone to take the medication. There are also apps that have medication reminders, including apps for some pharmacies.
• Have a backup reminder, such as a note left in a visible place.
• Keep your medication in a designated spot. If possible, it can be helpful to link taking a medication with another routine, such as brushing your teeth.
• Use a pill box that organizes medications into individual doses labeled with the days of the week. If you use a pill box, set a reminder to refill the pill box each week.
• If you have an irregular work schedule or will be away from home when you normally take your medication, have an extra dose or two with you in case you are delayed.
• If you are going to travel, plan ahead for how you will take your medication while away from home.

Adherence can affect how a therapy works and how cancer responds to treatment. Your healthcare providers need to know if you are having difficulty taking a medication or have not been following the dosing schedule. Always be honest, and inform your providers as soon as possible if you are having difficulty taking a medication. Your healthcare providers are there to help you find the treatment plan that works for you.