Peer Support for Bone Marrow Transplant Recipients

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen by Samantha Mayo, RN PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Recruiting

Sponsor: University Health Network, Toronto

Disqualifiers: Non-English speaking

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Allogeneic Haemopoietic Stem Cell Transplant (Allo-HSCT) is a potentially curative option for patients with both malignant and non-malignant hematological disorders. There appears to be unique experiences that adolescents and young adults (AYA) face when undergoing transplant. There is literature to suggest that peer support for young adults is associated with improvements in mental health including greater happiness, self-esteem and effective coping, as well as reductions in depression, loneliness and anxiety. Our primary objective is to determine the feasibility and acceptability of an AYA peer support program for patients undergoing Allo-HSCT. Our secondary objective is to explore the impact of the AYA peer support program on sense of support/connectivity, anxiety, and depression.

Do I need to stop my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Peer Support Group, AYA Peer Support Program, Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant Peer Support for Bone Marrow Transplant Recipients?

Research shows that peer support can improve mood and help manage expectations and uncertainty in cancer patients, including those undergoing stem cell transplants. Although specific data for bone marrow transplant recipients is limited, many patients recognize the potential benefits of peer support, such as emotional and practical help from others who have experienced similar treatments. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is peer support safe for bone marrow transplant recipients?

The research does not provide specific safety data for peer support in bone marrow transplant recipients, but peer support is generally considered safe as it involves emotional and social support from others with similar experiences. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

How is the Peer Support Group treatment different from other treatments for bone marrow transplant recipients?

The Peer Support Group treatment is unique because it focuses on providing emotional, social, and practical help through shared experiences among patients, rather than traditional medical interventions. This approach is particularly beneficial for managing expectations and uncertainties associated with the transplant process, which is not typically addressed by standard medical treatments. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adolescents and young adults who are undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplants, a treatment often used for serious blood disorders including cancer. Participants should be interested in joining a peer support group to potentially improve their mental health during the transplant process.

Inclusion Criteria

I am a candidate for a stem cell transplant from a donor.

I am between 18 and 39 years old.

It has been over 3 months since my stem cell transplant.

Exclusion Criteria

Non-English speaking

Trial Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in a monthly online AYA peer support group for six months

6 months

6 visits (virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in depressive symptoms, social connectedness, and anxiety

6 months

3 visits (virtual)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Peer Support Group (Behavioral Intervention)

Trial Overview The study is testing the effectiveness of a peer support program designed specifically for young patients receiving stem cell transplants. The goal is to see if this social support can help reduce feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression while increasing happiness and self-esteem.

Participant Groups

Group I: Peer Support Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The intervention will be a monthly online AYA peer support group (1 hour) that will run for six months via Microsoft Teams.

Find a Clinic Near You

Research Locations Nearby Select from list below to view details:

Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Toronto, Canada

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University Health Network, Toronto Lead Sponsor

References

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Peer support in patients with hematologic malignancies: a systematic review. [2022] Peer support has been utilized and associated with clinical outcomes (e.g., improved mood) in patients with solid malignancies. However, to date, there is minimal literature examining peer support among patients with hematologic malignancies and/or patients who have undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Social support and quality of life of patients prior to stem cell or bone marrow transplantation. [2015] To determine the positive and detrimental aspects of social support prior to allogeneic or autologous bone marrow transplantation/stem cell transplantation.

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Psychosocial care for adolescent and young adult hematopoietic cell transplant patients. [2021] Psychological issues following hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) are unfortunately common. Literature specific to the transplant experience for the needs of adolescents and young adults (AYA) is lacking. The purpose of this article is to (1) describe the allogeneic transplant experience for AYA transplant patients during the first year following transplantation including demographic and treatment characteristics, (2) present AYA data obtained during and following a six-part posttransplant discharge study, (3) illustrate typical AYA experiences using case studies, and (4) propose AYA intervention strategies within Erickson's stages of psychosocial development. A quality of life model provided the research conceptual framework, and the content analysis framework for the qualitative research. Themes that emerged within each domain were the following: sexuality/fertility, fatigue, depression/poor coping/habits,adherence issues, use of technology, dependency issues, changes in roles/relationships, issues with school/education, financial issues, family problems/issues, miscellaneous, religion/spirituality, fear of future, uncertainty, life, death, more life appreciation. These data guide us for providing targeted interventions for the needs of this AYA population. This paper has presented literature and developmental theory, qualitative and qualitative data from an intervention study, and clinical cases in order to propose a developmental treatment model for AYA transplant patients. A coordinated and multidisciplinary approach is needed for the HCT patient who is an AYA.

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Peer support in patients with hematologic malignancies undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT): a qualitative study. [2022] Peer support, a distinctive form of social support in which patients share emotional, social, and practical help based on their own lived experience of illness and treatment, positively impacts patient-reported outcomes in cancer populations. However, data on peer support experiences among hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients are limited. We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews among 12 allogeneic HSCT recipients who were ≤6 months post transplant without any complications and 13 allogeneic HSCT recipients >6 months post transplant and living with chronic graft-versus-host disease. Interviews explored patients' experiences with peer support and their preferences for a peer support intervention tailored to the needs of HSCT recipients. While the majority (70%) of participants reported no formal experience with peer support, most (83%) articulated themes of potential benefits of peer support (e.g., managing expectations and uncertainty that accompany HSCT). Most participants (60%) reported a preference for a peer support intervention prior to the HSCT hospitalization. Despite the limited data on peer support interventions among HSCT recipients and lack of formal peer support experience in most of our cohort, our study shows that HSCT recipients clearly acknowledge the potential benefits of a peer support intervention, and they prefer that it start prior to transplantation.

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The psychosocial experience of women treated for breast cancer by high-dose chemotherapy supported by autologous stem cell transplant: a qualitative analysis of support groups. [2019] Autologous bone marrow transplantation (AuBMT) is probably among the most aggressive of physical treatments endured by cancer patients. High-risk breast cancer patients who choose this therapy face prolonged, agonizing and life-threatening interventions that are no less arduous than confronting the malignant disease itself. The study, which aimed to broadening our understanding of the psychosocial impact and the implications of AuBMT, presents a protocol analysis of group support intervention in 45 recipients (eight to ten women in five groups). The sessions were held at the Transplant Department at the Chaim Sheba Medical Center. The contribution of group support to the healing process was examined. The findings show that recovery was affected by a wide range of psychosocial factors, specifically highlighting the impact of transplantation and survival on five domains, viz. physical, psychological/emotional, vocational, social and family/spousal intimacy. Illness and treatment management is also discussed. The support generated by the group, both individually and collectively, was found to contribute significantly to the spectrum of resources available to the participants.

6. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Physical and psychosocial aspects of adolescent and young adults after allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation: results from a prospective multicenter trial. [2018] Allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (alloHSCT) is physically and psychosocially demanding. Among transplant recipients, adolescent and young adults (AYA) represent a special group, as disease occurs early in life, resulting in the prospect of long survival time and high burden of alloHSCT sequelae. However, data focusing on AYA undergoing alloHSCT are rare.

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Factors associated with social functioning among long-term cancer survivors treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation as adolescents or young adults. [2021] Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can compromise long-term health and social functioning. We examined the impact of physical and social-emotional factors on the social functioning of long-term adolescent and young adult (AYA) HSCT survivors.