Expressive Writing for Graft-versus-Host Disease
(EXPRESS-C-GVHD Trial)

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byJennifer Choi

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Phase < 1

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Northwestern University

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?Graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) is a disease phenomenon that occurs when immune cells of the donor recognize and attack healthy tissue within the transplant recipient, or host. It is ultimately the result of the same immunological mechanisms that provide benefit to patients receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). In patients with hematologic malignancies, HSCT can be therapeutic, as donor T cells recognize and mount a response against cancerous cells. HSCT is also used in the setting of certain immunodeficiencies and inborn errors of metabolism for which therapeutic benefit is found in immunologic repletion. To our knowledge, support groups have yet to be investigated in academic literature as a nonpharmacologic, therapeutic intervention for cutaneous GVHD patients to improve their distress, systemic disease, and quality of life. Given the dearth of research on nonpharmacologic therapies for cutaneous GVHD that address quality of life impairments, we seek to characterize the effect of an expressive writing and peer helping intervention contextualized within the framework of a support group. The primary goal of this study is to provide preliminary efficacy data of expressive writing as an intervention in patients with cutaneous GVHD to trial.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults over 18 with chronic cutaneous graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD), who can understand and sign consent, write or type, and have internet to join Zoom sessions. It's not for those with limited English skills.

Inclusion Criteria

I can understand and am willing to sign the consent form.

I have or had chronic skin problems due to a stem cell transplant.

Patients must be able to write using a utensil and paper or be able to type

+3 more

Exclusion Criteria

Patients with limited level of oral and written English

Participant Groups

The study tests expressive writing within a support group setting as a non-drug therapy to improve distress, systemic disease symptoms, and life quality in patients with skin-related GVHD.

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Expressive writing weekly sessionExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Weekly, 1-hour sessions of creative writing, discussion and social support, in a group setting via videoconference for a total of 4 sessions.