ObjectivesTo analyze patients’ values and preferences on individualized medication of high-dose methotrexate so as to support the development of the practice guideline for clinical medication of high-dose methotrexate.MethodsA multicenter cross-sectional study involving patients with osteosarcoma or hematological malignancy in 7 hospitals was conducted by questionnaires to evaluate the perception and willingness on detection of gene polymorphisms (MTHFR C677T, MTHFR A1298C, ABCB1 C3435T and RFC1 G80A) related to methotrexate (MTX) and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of MTX. SPSS24.0 software was used to analyze the data.ResultsA total of 124 patients were involved, including 40 (32.26%) with osteosarcoma and 84 (67.74%) with hematological malignancy. 106 (85.48%) and 117 (94.35%) patients agreed on detection of gene polymorphisms and TDM, respectively. There was a significant difference on preference towards TDM between patients with risk factors for MTX and patients in which risk factors for MTX were not discovered (76.19% vs. 95.08%, P=0.003). The ranking of factors that contributed to the two decision-making was consistent (P<0.01), and specific orders of factors were identical. The clinical efficacy was the primary factor (mean rank 3.45 for detection of genetic polymorphisms and 3.52 for TDM), followed by safety (mean rank 3.01 and 3.16, respectively) and comfort (mean rank 1.73 and 1.79, respectively). Cost (mean rank 1.39 and 1.31, respectively) was the least important factor.ConclusionsThe preferences of patients toward detection of gene polymorphisms and TDM were generally similar, with well acceptance. No significant differences were found on the preferences toward detection of gene polymorphisms. However, patients with or without risk factors for MTX may differ significantly when making decisions on TDM, which may impact on clinical decision-making of clinicians and clinical pharmacists. The perception and willingness of patients should be considered adequately during the development of clinical practice guidelines and clinical practice.
