Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) increasingly resembles a chronic disease, requiring lifelong care, regular monitoring, and active patient involvement. This thesis shows that current CML care does not always follow clinical guidelines, especially for disease monitoring. Patients who received care that followed at least three key guideline recommendations had a lower risk of death, demonstrating possible impact of guideline-based care on survival. Digital care platforms offer an important opportunity to improve long-term cancer care. This thesis demonstrates that digital platforms improve quality of life, reduce symptoms, and strengthen patients’ confidence in managing their disease. The Dutch CMyLife platform supports medication use, timely monitoring, and patient empowerment, leading to better self-management and higher adherence to care recommendations. Increased self-management also supports sustainable healthcare by reducing pressure on healthcare resources. These findings highlight digital, patient-centered care as a promising model for improving outcomes and sustainability in CML and other chronic diseases.
Sanne Metsemakers (1996) obtained her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Biomedical Sciences at Radboud University, specializing in Health Technology Assessment. After completing her PhD research on digital care, cost-effectiveness and chronic myeloid leukemia, she joined Healthcare Insurers Netherlands, where she focuses on digital transformation to support efficient and accessible healthcare.