Multidisciplinary Care for Graft-versus-Host Disease

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byAreej El-Jawahri, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?This research is being done to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a multidisciplinary, patient-centered intervention, Horizons Program, versus minimally enhanced standard care to improve quality of life, symptom burden and psychological distress of adults who received an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant and developed graft versus-host disease (GVHD).

Eligibility Criteria

Adults over 21 who had a stem cell transplant, developed moderate to severe chronic GVHD, and are treated at the MGH Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinic. Participants must understand English for group activities. Those with conditions or cognitive impairments that affect consent or participation, as well as prisoners and pregnant women, cannot join.

Inclusion Criteria

I can participate in groups that use English.

I have moderate to severe chronic graft-versus-host disease.

Patients currently receiving their care at the MGH Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinic

+1 more

Exclusion Criteria

Vulnerable patients, defined here as prisoners and pregnant women, will not be included in the intervention

Patients with comorbid conditions or cognitive impairment that the treating clinician believes prohibits informed consent or participation in the intervention

Participant Groups

The study compares two approaches: the Horizons Program—a multidisciplinary intervention aimed at improving life quality, reducing symptoms and psychological distress—and usual care given to patients with chronic GVHD after stem cell transplants.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Usual CareExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Standard medical visits to address chronic GVHD, with an additional standardized booklet, in electronic or paper format, containing information on the management of chronic GVHD and stem cell transplant survivorship recommendations. Questionnaire assessment at 8 weeks and 16 weeks after Horizons Program group starts

Group II: Horizon ProgramExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Eight weekly, audio recorded telehealth videoconferencing sessions. Sessions are 90 minutes. Questionnaire assessments at 8 and 16 weeks after end of videoconferencing sessions