Nonmalignant late effects and compromised functional status in survivors of hematopoietic cell transplantation

Life 2.0: a comprehensive cross-sectional profiling of long-term allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation survivors compared to a matched general population cohort

Long-term survivors after allogeneic cell transplantation (HCT) have unique needs. We performed a cross-sectional case-control study to describe the survivorship profile of 244 adult allogeneic transplantation recipients at a median of 8.4 years post-HCT and compared it to controls from the general population (matched 1:3 based on age, gender, and province of residence). The most prevalent medical complications were graft versus host disease (46.7%), impaired kidney function (63.9%), and the presence of a metabolic syndrome (33.6%). Survivors were significantly more likely to report a sub-optimal perceived health status than controls (82.0% versus 52.1% respectively, OR 4.57, p < 0.0001). They also reported significantly lower employment rates (42.6% versus 55.6% respectively, OR 0.389, p < 0.0001) and more polypharmacy (32.0% versus 9.6% respectively, OR 5.0, p < 0.0001) than matched counterparts. Social support and mental health were generally preserved. Apart for a concerning tendency to medication non-adherence, low physical activity (54.5%), and inappropriate exposition to UV (44.7%), health-related behavior was adequate. Many survivors have a health status comparable to chronically ill patients and, if so, should be managed as such. Novel patient-centered initiatives based on chronic care models could support survivors in preventing and dealing with long-term complications, regaining functionality, and returning to their role in society.

Development of the Lee Symptom Scale-Skin Sclerosis for chronic GVHD-associated sclerosis

ABSTRACT

Sclerosis is a highly morbid manifestation of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD), associated with distressing symptoms and significant long-term disability. A patient-reported outcome (PRO) measure for cGVHD-associated sclerosis is essential to advance therapeutic trials. We aimed to develop a PRO for adults with cGVHD-associated sclerosis and evaluate and refine its content validity. Adults aged ≥18 years with cGVHD-associated sclerosis participated in semistructured interviews to identify salient symptoms and functions. Sclerosis-relevant symptoms and functions from existing PROs were also used to prompt discussion of topics not spontaneously mentioned. Symptoms and functions (subcodes) of importance were clustered and mapped to overarching domains (codes) using inductive analysis, and candidate items were developed. Cognitive interviews were used to evaluate content validity of the items, response options, recall period, and respondent instructions. Thirty-six open-ended interviews, conducted to saturation, revealed the breadth of the patient experience with cGVHD-associated sclerosis including 5 overarching domains: (1) skin changes, (2) symptoms, (3) emotional and social functioning, (4) mobility restrictions, and (5) activity limitations. A pool of 54 items was tested and iteratively refined through cognitive debriefing interviews (n = 25). Phrasing changes were made to improve relevance and comprehension. One item was removed, and 2 items were added to address respondent feedback, resulting in 55 items. Results support the relevance, comprehensibility, and comprehensiveness of the provisional Lee Symptom Scale-Skin Sclerosis. Concept elicitation and cognitive interviewing have informed the development of the Lee Symptom Scale-Skin Sclerosis. Psychometric testing and determination of minimal clinically important differences are underway in an external cohort to validate the PROs.

Assessment of Survivorship in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a lifesaving therapy increasingly used to treat a range of conditions in adults and children, including leukemia, lymphoma, and some solid cancers. The development of this therapy has significantly increased survival rates from what were once terminal conditions. Despite these advances, survivors experience a range of long-term and late effects of therapy necessitating lifelong monitoring. Allo-HSCT survivors are at an increased risk for secondary cancers, infections (including vaccine-preventable diseases), graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and chronic illnesses which impact all body systems. These conditions result in compromised functional status, unemployment and underemployment, and decreased quality of life. Allo-HSCT survivors report twice as many (mostly preventable) medical problems compared to case-matched controls and are 3.5 times more likely to develop a severe/life-threatening condition than siblings (this increases up to 4.7 times in those with GVHD and higher rates of hospitalizations). Accordingly, international and national consensus guidelines recommend the long-term follow-up assessments, health counseling, preventive care, vaccinations, and cancer screening to optimize the benefit and minimize the late effects of allo-HSCT. This chapter provides an overview of the impacts of allo-HSCT on survivors before outlining the 2023 updated international recommendations for screening and preventative practices for long-term survivors of Transplantation and Cellular Therapy.

Decision analysis for transplant candidates with primary myelofibrosis in the ruxolitinib era

The recent progress with ruxolitinib treatment might improve quality of life as well as overall survival in patients with primary myelofibrosis. Therefore, the optimal timing of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in the ruxolitinib era remains to be elucidated. We constructed a Markov model to simulate the 5-year clinical course of transplant candidates with primary myelofibrosis and compared outcomes between those who underwent immediate HCT and those whose HCT was delayed until after ruxolitinib failure. Since older age was associated with an increased risk of mortality, we analyzed patients aged <60 and ≥60 years separately in subgroup analyses. Life expectancy was consistently longer in the groups undergoing delayed HCT after ruxolitinib failure regardless of the patients' age. Regarding quality-adjusted life years, a baseline analysis showed that immediate HCT was inferior to delayed HCT after ruxolitinib failure (2.19 vs. 2.26). In patients aged <60 years, immediate HCT was equivalent to delayed HCT after ruxolitinib failure (2.31 vs. 2.31). On the other hand, in patients aged ≥60 years, immediate HCT was inferior to delayed HCT after ruxolitinib failure (1.98 vs. 2.21). A one-way sensitivity analysis showed that the utility of being alive without chronic graft-versus-host disease after immediate HCT was the most influential parameter for quality-adjusted life years, and that a value higher than 0.836 could reverse the superiority of delayed HCT after ruxolitinib failure. As a result, delayed HCT after ruxolitinib failure is expected to be superior to immediate HCT, especially in patients aged ≥60 years, and is also a promising strategy even in those aged <60 years.

Increased risk of hip and major osteoporotic fractures in 8463 patients who have undergone stem cell transplantation, a Swedish population-based study

In this retrospective cohort study of adult stem cell transplanted patients (n = 8463), a significant increased risk of both MOF and hip fractures was seen compared with the Swedish population and occurred in mean more than 2 years after stem cell transplantation.

PURPOSE

To explore the risk for osteoporotic fracture in patients who have undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) compared with the Swedish population.

METHODS

The risk of osteoporotic fractures was determined in a retrospective population cohort study of adult (≥ 18 years) Swedish patients (n = 8463), who were transplanted with HSCT 1997-2016 and compared with all adults living in Sweden during the same period.

RESULTS

In the total study group (n = 8463), 90 hip fractures (1.1% both in males and females) and 361 major osteoporotic fractures (MOF) (3.2% in men and 6.0% in women) were identified. In the total study population, the ratio of observed and expected number of hip fracture for women was 1.99 (95% CI 1.39-2.75) and for men 2.54 (95% CI 1.91-3.31). The corresponding ratio for MOF in women was 1.36 (CI 1.18-1.56) and for men 1.61 (CI 1.37-1.88). From 2005 onwards, when differentiation in the registry between allo- and auto-HSCT was possible, the observed number of hip fracture and MOF in allo-HSCT (n = 1865) were significantly increased (observed/expected hip fracture 5.24 (95% CI 3.28-7.93) and observed/expected MOF 2.08 (95% CI 1.63-2.62)). Fractures occurred in mean 2.7 (hip) and 2.5 (MOF) years after allo-HSCT. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) was not associated with an increased risk of fracture.

CONCLUSION

Patients who underwent HSCT had an increased risk of both hip and major osteoporotic fracture compared with the Swedish population and occurred in 4.3% of patients. GVHD was not statistically significantly associated with fracture risk.

A Biobehavioral Perspective on Caring for Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Survivors with Graft-Versus-Host Disease

Among the potential complications of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is common and associated with significant physical and psychosocial symptom burden. Despite substantial advances in GVHD treatment, the global immune suppression that frequently accompanies GVHD treatment also contributes to high rates of physical and emotional suffering and mortality. The complex manifestations of GVHD and its treatment warrant a multidisciplinary team-based approach to managing patients' multi-organ system comorbidities. A biobehavioral framework can enhance our understanding of the complex association between medications, physical symptoms, and psychosocial distress in patients with GVHD. Hence, for this perspective, we highlight the importance of addressing both the physical and psychosocial needs experienced by patients with GVHD and provide guidance on how to approach and manage those symptoms and concerns as part of comprehensive cancer care.

International recommendations for screening and preventative practices for long-term survivors of transplantation and cellular therapy: a 2023 update

As hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and cellular therapy expand to new indications and international access improves, the volume of HCT performed annually continues to rise. Parallel improvements in HCT techniques and supportive care entails more patients surviving long-term, creating further emphasis on survivorship needs. Survivors are at risk for developing late complications secondary to pre-, peri- and post-transplant exposures and other underlying risk-factors. Guidelines for screening and preventive practices for HCT survivors were originally published in 2006 and updated in 2012. To review contemporary literature and update the recommendations while considering the changing practice of HCT and cellular therapy, an international group of experts was again convened. This review provides updated pediatric and adult survivorship guidelines for HCT and cellular therapy. The contributory role of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) to the development of late effects is discussed but cGVHD management is not covered in detail. These guidelines emphasize special needs of patients with distinct underlying HCT indications or comorbidities (e.g., hemoglobinopathies, older adults) but do not replace more detailed group, disease, or condition specific guidelines. Although these recommendations should be applicable to the vast majority of HCT recipients, resource constraints may limit their implementation in some settings.

International Recommendations for Screening and Preventative Practices for Long-Term Survivors of Transplantation and Cellular Therapy: A 2023 Update

As hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) and cellular therapy expand to new indications and international access improves, the number of HCTs performed annually continues to rise. Parallel improvements in HCT techniques and supportive care entails more patients surviving long term, creating further emphasis on survivorship needs. Survivors are at risk for developing late complications secondary to pretransplantation, peritransplantation, and post-transplantation exposures and other underlying risk factors. Guidelines for screening and preventive practices for HCT survivors were originally published in 2006 and then updated in 2012. An international group of experts was convened to review the contemporary literature and update the recommendations while considering the changing practices of HCT and cellular therapy. This review provides updated pediatric and adult survivorship guidelines for HCT and cellular therapy. The contributory role of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) to the development of late effects is discussed, but cGVHD management is not covered in detail. These guidelines emphasize the special needs of patients with distinct underlying HCT indications or comorbidities (eg, hemoglobinopathies, older adults) but do not replace more detailed group-, disease-, or condition-specific guidelines. Although these recommendations should be applicable to the vast majority of HCT recipients, resource constraints may limit their implementation in some settings.

Identifying the Risk Factors of Suicidal Ideation in Patients With Hematologic Malignancies Using a Multidimensional Approach

BACKGROUND

Patients with hematologic malignancies have a 3.5-fold higher rate of suicide completion than the noncancer population, and the Hodgkin lymphoma has the highest suicide rate among all cancers. Although the risk factors for suicidal ideation among the cancer population are well-known, the specific risk factors contributing to the high suicide rate among patients with hematologic malignancies are elusive.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify the risk factors for suicidal ideation among patients with hematologic malignancies using a multidimensional approach.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional, observational study. A total of 163 patients were recruited from the oncology department of a university hospital. We collected data on psychological and physical symptoms, social support, and suicidal ideation using the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Suicidal Ideation Scale. Multiple regression analysis was performed using SPSS (version 26.0) to analyze the clinical data.

RESULTS

Among the 163 participants, 96 (58.9%) were male, 57 (35%) were diagnosed with acute leukemia, and 97 (59.5%) received chemotherapy. The mean age was 55.26 ± 15.75. Physical symptoms, psychological symptoms, and willingness to use mental health services accounted for 39.5% of suicidal ideation cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Assessment of psychological conditions at the beginning of diagnosis, provision of appropriate interventions throughout treatment, and follow-up care to relieve psychological symptoms should be initiated in patients with hematologic malignancies to prevent suicide.

A Comparison of the Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior between Autologous and Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Survivors

Objective The treatment background, as well as the frequency and type of complications, in autologous (auto-) and allogeneic (allo-) hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) survivors influence the appearance of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) or sedentary behavior. We therefore assessed differences in the MVPA and sedentary behavior between auto- and allo-HSCT survivors. Methods This prospective observational study included 13 auto- and 36 allo-HSCT survivors (approximately 4 years after HSCT). The MVPA and sedentary behavior were assessed using a triaxial accelerometer. Results There were no significant between-group differences in the MVPA or sedentary behavior (p=0.768 and 0.739, respectively). In allo-HSCT survivors, the MVPA was negatively correlated with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score (r=-0.358, p=0.032). A stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that age was a significant predictor of sedentary behavior in allo-HSCT survivors (β=0.400, p=0.016). Conclusion We observed no significant between-group differences in the MVPA or sedentary behavior. Our results suggest that it may be unnecessary to change the rehabilitation program according to the donor type in interventions for promoting MVPA and reducing sedentary behavior in long-term HSCT survivors.

Telemedicine in Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation and Chimeric Antigen Receptor-T Cell Therapy

Telemedicine has played an important role in delivering healthcare for primary care, chronic disease patients, and those with solid organ malignancies. However, its application in subspecialties such as hematologic malignancies, hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), or chimeric antigen receptor-T cell (CAR-T) therapy is not widespread since physical examination is a vital component in delivering care. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we widely used telemedicine, since protecting our immunocompromised patients became our top priority. The employment of HCT and CAR-T therapies continues to grow for high-risk hematologic malignancies, particularly in older and frail patients who must visit specialty centers for treatment access. Generally, HCT and CAR-T therapy care is highly complex, necessitating commitment from patients, caregivers, and a multidisciplinary team at specialty academic centers. All healthcare systems adapted to the crisis and implemented rapid changes during the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). Telemedicine, a vital modality for delivering healthcare in underserved areas, experienced rapid expansion, regardless of the geographic region, during the COVID-19 PHE. The data emerging from practices implemented during the PHE are propelling the field of telemedicine forward, particularly for specialties with complex medical treatments such as HCT and CAR-T therapy. In this review, we examine the current data on telemedicine in HCT and cellular therapy care models for the acute and long-term care of our patients.

The adrenal stress response is an essential host response against therapy-induced lethal immune activation

Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is a systemic inflammatory syndrome associated with infection- or drug-induced T cell activation and can cause multiple organ failure and even death. Because current treatments are ineffective in some patients with severe CRS, we set out to identify risk factors and mechanisms behind severe CRS that might lead to preventive therapies and better clinical outcomes in patients. In mice, we found that deficiency in the adrenal stress response-with similarities to such in patients called relative adrenal insufficiency (RAI)-conferred a high risk for lethal CRS. Mice treated with CD3 antibodies were protected against lethal CRS by the production of glucocorticoids (GC) induced by the adrenal stress response in a manner dependent on the scavenger receptor B1 (SR-BI), a receptor for high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Mice with whole-body or adrenal gland-specific SR-BI deficiency exhibited impaired GC production, more severe CRS, and increased mortality in response to CD3 antibodies. Pretreatment with a low dose of GC effectively suppressed the development of CRS and rescued survival in SR-BI-deficient mice without compromising T cell function through apoptosis. Our findings suggest that RAI may be a risk factor for therapy-induced CRS and that pretreating RAI patients with GC may prevent lethal CRS.

Impact of allogeneic stem cell transplantation on thyroid function

PURPOSE

Primary hypothyroidism is a main endocrine complication after allogeneic stem cells transplantation (allo-SCT) in children, but in adults data on post-SCT hypothyroidism are limited. The aims of this observational, cross-sectional study were to assess the prevalence of hypothyroidism in adult allo-SCT recipients according to time from transplantation, and to identify risk factors.

METHODS

One hundred and eighty-six patients (M 104; F 82; median age 53.4 years) who underwent allo-SCT between January 2010 and December 2017 were enrolled and divided into three groups, according to time from allo-SCT (1-3 years; 3-5 years; > 5 years). Pre-transplant TSH and fT4 levels were available for all patients. After transplantation, TSH, fT4 and anti-thyroperoxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab) were evaluated.

RESULTS

After a follow-up of 3.7 years, 34 (18.3%) patients developed hypothyroidism, with higher prevalence in females (p < 0.001) and in patients who received matched unrelated donor grafts (p < 0.05). No difference in prevalence was found at different time points. Patients who developed hypothyroidism showed higher rate of TPO-Ab positivity (p < 0.05) and higher pre-transplant TSH levels (median 2.34 µU/ml) compared to those with preserved thyroid function (median 1.53 µU/ml; p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis identified higher pre-transplant TSH levels as a positive predictor of hypothyroidism (p < 0.005). The ROC curve analysis identified a pre-SCT TSH cutoff of 1.84 µU/ml, which can predict hypothyroidism with sensitivity 74.1% and specificity 67.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

About one out of four patients developed hypothyroidism after allo-SCT, with a greater incidence in females. Pre-transplant TSH levels seem to predict the onset of post-SCT hypothyroidism.

Cognitive impairments correlate with increased central nervous system immune activation after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Murine studies indicate that, after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT), donor-derived macrophages replace damaged microglia and alloreactive T-cells invade the central nervous system (CNS). The clinical relevance of this is unknown. We assessed CNS immune surveillance and metabolic activity involved in neuronal survival, in relation to fatigue and cognitive dysfunction in 25 long-term survivors after aHSCT. Patients with cognitive dysfunction exhibited increased proportions of activated T-cells and CD16 + NK-cells in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Immune cell activation was paralleled with reduced levels of anti-inflammatory factors involved in T-cell suppression (transforming growth factor-β, programmed death ligand-1), NK-cell regulation (poliovirus receptor, nectin-2), and macrophage and microglia activation (CD200, chemokine [C-X3-C motif] ligand-1). Additionally, the CSF mRNA expression pattern was associated with neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Furthermore, proteomic, and transcriptomic studies demonstrated decreased levels of neuroprotective factors, and an upregulation of apoptosis pathway genes. The kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism was activated in the CNS of all aHSCT patients, resulting in accumulation of neurotoxic and pro-inflammatory metabolites. Cognitive decline and fatigue are overlooked but frequent complications of aHSCT. This study links post-transplant CNS inflammation and neurotoxicity to our previously reported hypoactivation in the prefrontal cortex during cognitive testing, suggesting novel treatment targets.

Impact of allogeneic stem cell transplantation in childhood and adolescence on quality of adulthood life: A case-control study

BACKGROUND

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is associated with late complications that can impair the quality of life (QoL) of patients for years after transplant. The purpose of the present study was to determine the difference in the QoL of adults that underwent allo-HSCT in childhood and adolescence compared with not transplanted adults.

METHODS

In this prospective case-control cross-sectional study, we included patients aged ≥18 years that received an allo-HSCT during childhood or adolescence and subsequently survived at least 2 years after transplantation. The control group consisted of blood donors matched for age and sex. QoL assessment was performed using the Short Form-36 (SF-36) Health Survey, Portuguese version 2.

RESULTS

Thirty-four transplanted patients and controls were included. 58.8% were male, and the median age at transplant was 13.5 years (range, 4-17 years). The median follow-up was 11.5 years (range, 2.0-23.0 years). The most common late effect was skeletally followed by endocrine complications. Patients with these late complications had the worst QOL in the following dimensions: physical functioning, role physical, bodily pain, general health, and mental health. When compared to the control group, patients had a lower score in two dimensions: physical functioning and role physical.

CONCLUSIONS

Although skeletal and endocrine complications of transplant patients in childhood have an impact on physical functioning, most parameters of QoL of these patients in adulthood are similar to healthy individuals of the same age and gender. Early detection and long-term monitoring of late complications can prevent impairment of the QoL.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Young Adult Survivors of Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

Young adults (YA), age 18 to 39 years, are at a stage of life that may make them more vulnerable than older adults to impairments in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) during and after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Health self-efficacy (HSE), the belief that one can implement strategies to produce a desired health outcome, has been associated with health outcomes in oncology research. Little is known about HRQOL or HSE in YA HCT survivors compared with older HCT survivors. Given the age-specific psychosocial challenges facing YA HCT recipients and research on non-transplant YA cancer survivors, we hypothesized that YA survivors would have worse post-HCT HRQOL compared with older adults, and that among YA HCT survivors, higher levels of HSE would be associated with higher levels of HRQOL and lower levels of cancer-related distress. This was a cross-sectional secondary analysis of 2 combined baseline datasets from multicenter studies of HCT survivors approached for participation in clinical trials of survivorship interventions. Participants from 20 transplantation centers in the United States were at 1 to 10 years post-HCT and age ≥18 years at the time of study enrollment, had no evidence of disease relapse/progression or subsequent malignancies, and could read English adequately to consent for and complete assessments. Medical record and patient-reported data were obtained for demographics and HCT-related clinical factors and complications (eg, total body irradiation, chronic graft-versus-host disease [cGVHD]). Participants completed surveys on HRQOL, including the Short-Form [SF]-12, HSE, and Cancer and Treatment Distress (CTXD), which includes 6 subscales and reports an overall mean score. On the SF-12, both the Mental Component Score (MCS) and Physical Component Score (PCS) were calculated. Two cohorts were compared: YAs (age 18 to 39 years at transplantation) and older adults (age ≥40 years at transplantation). Multiple linear regression analyses identified factors associated with HSE, PCS, MCS, and CTXD in YAs. In this analysis of 979 survivors, compared with the older adults, the YA participants had lower median mental health scores (SF-12 MCS: 48.40 versus 50.23; P = .04) and higher cancer-related distress (CTXD: .96 versus .85; P = .04), but better physical health (SF-12 PCS: 48.99 versus 47.18; P = .049). Greater overall cancer-related distress was driven by higher levels of uncertainty, financial concern, and medical demand subscales for YAs compared with older adults. Young adults also had lower HSE (2.93 versus 3.08; P = .0004). In a multivariate model, HSE was strongly associated with age group (P = .0005) after adjusting for multiple other transplantation-related factors. Among YAs, HSE was associated with the SF-12 MCS and PCS and the CTXD, and HSE remained significant after adjusting for other transplantation-related factors. Overall, the YA HCT survivors had lower mental health, increased cancer-related distress, and lower levels of HSE compared with the older adults. Although the direction of these effects cannot be determined with these data, the strong association between HSE and HRQOL among YAs suggests that targeting interventions to improve HSE may have broad impact on health outcomes.

Incidence and predictors of recurrent sick leave in survivors who returned to work after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation

BACKGROUND

Although rather favorable probabilities of return to work have been reported after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT), survivors often have difficulty continuing to work because of their immunocompromised status and diverse late effects after allo-HCT. We evaluated the incidence of and risk factors for recurrent sick leave in allo-HCT survivors after they initially returned to work.

METHODS

We targeted allo-HCT survivors who were employed at diagnosis, aged 20-64 at survey, and survived for ≥ 2 years without relapse. Of the 1904 survivors who were informed of the study, 1148 returned the questionnaire (60%), and 1048 eligible participants were included in the overall analysis. In the present study that considered recurrent sick leave after return to work, we targeted 896 participants who returned to work at least once after allo-HCT. Participants stated if they had recurrent sick leave after returning to work and its reasons, as well as associated patient-, HCT/HCT center-, and work-related factors and clinical events after allo-HCT. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore correlated factors for recurrent sick leave.

RESULTS

In survivors who returned to work, 30% required recurrent sick leave. The most frequent causes of recurrent leave were physical issues (72%), and analysis of free descriptions demonstrated that these were mainly associated with graft-versus-host disease, infection, or readmission. Other reasons included work-related issues such as gap between physical and working conditions. Multivariate analysis showed that cord blood transplantation, longer employment duration, and counseling from healthcare professionals were associated with a lower risk of recurrent leave. Readmission, immunosuppressant use, and symptoms involving the respiratory system, gut, and joints and muscles were associated with a higher risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results drawn from a large cohort study should help healthcare professionals identify and assist at-risk patients. Multi-professional teams that provide continuous support and effective communication with the workplace are necessary to improve long-term outcomes after allo-HCT.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

In order to continue working after the initial return to work, it is important to receive counseling from healthcare professionals and obtain reasonable accommodation from workplace.

eHealth-Generated Patient Data in an Outpatient Setting after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Scoping Review

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) has the potential to cure malignant and nonmalignant diseases but remains associated with a wide range of complications, necessitating dedicated lifelong follow-up. While patients are monitored closely during the peri-HCT period, leaving the hospital setting after HCT introduces new challenges. This scoping review explores the current use of patient-generated eHealth data in the outpatient setting. A systematic search of the PubMed, Scopus, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, American Psychological Association PsycINFO, and International Health Technology Assessment databases in July 2021 identified the 22 studies (13 full text articles and 9 abstracts) included in this review. The large majority were small to medium-sized (n = 15; 68.2%) pilot or feasibility studies (n = 18; 81.8%) that were published between 2016 and 2021 (n = 16; 72.7%). Collection of patient-reported outcomes was the most frequently reported eHealth intervention (n = 14; 63.6%), followed by vital sign monitoring (n = 5; 22.7%) and home-based spirometry (n = 3; 13.6%), mostly in the early post-transplantation setting. eHealth interventions had favorable feasibility and acceptability profiles; however, we found little data on the efficacy, long-term monitoring, data security, and cost-effectiveness of eHealth interventions. Larger randomized studies are warranted to draw formal conclusions about the impact of eHealth on HCT outcomes and the best ways to incorporate eHealth in clinical practice.

Pancreatic atrophy and recovery after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic atrophy after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is one of the symptoms associated with chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Although pancreatic atrophy has been considered to cause exocrine insufficiency and weight loss, it is not yet clear what kinds of recipients can be expected to recover their body weight (BW) or pancreatic thickness. In addition, the effect of pancreatic atrophy on the prognosis has not been clarified.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 170 recipients who received allogeneic bone marrow transplantation or peripheral blood stem cell transplantation, and evaluated them using the CT scan images obtained closest to 1, 2, 3, and 4 years after HCT.

RESULTS

Fifty-five recipients (32.4%) demonstrated pancreatic atrophy, and 11 (20%) of them recovered their pancreatic thickness. While recipients without pancreatic atrophy gradually recovered their BW (P < 0.001), those with atrophy did not (P = 0.12). Moderate and severe chronic GVHD tended to be slightly more common in the atrophy group (47.3% vs 38.3%), whereas the pancreatic thickness tended to recover in these recipients (30.8% vs 10.3%). HCT from a female donor to a male recipient showed superior pancreatic recovery compared to other donor and recipient sex combinations. Pancreatic atrophy treated as a significantly associated with inferior survival (HR 4.91, P < 0.001) and an increased risk of non-relapse mortality (HR 8.75, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that it is important to monitor pancreatic thickness after HCT. Further prospective investigations are warranted to clarify the significance of pancreatic atrophy on clinical outcomes.

Updates in the Role of Checkpoint Inhibitor Immunotherapy in Classical Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Classical Hodgkin's lymphoma is a highly curable disease, but 10-25% of patients with higher-risk disease relapse. The introduction of checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) targeting PD-1 have changed the landscape of treatment for patients with relapsed/refractory disease to multiple lines of therapy. The depth of response to CPI as a monotherapy is highest in the first relapse as salvage therapy based on outcomes reported in several phase II studies. With earlier use of CPI and brentuximab vedotin, the optimal sequencing of therapy is evolving. In this review, we will summarize clinical investigation of anti-PD-1 mAb in earlier line settings to provide insights on utilizing these agents as chemotherapy- and radiation-sparing approaches, increasing depth of response, and as part of combination regimens.

The Promoting Resilience in Stress Management (PRISM) intervention for adolescents and young adults receiving hematopoietic cell transplantation: a randomized controlled trial protocol

Background

Psychological distress is prevalent among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) receiving hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). The Promoting Resilience in Stress Management (PRISM) intervention is a resilience-coaching program that has been shown to mitigate distress and improve quality of life among AYAs receiving chemotherapy for newly diagnosed or advanced cancer. This article describes the protocol of an ongoing randomized-controlled trial (RCT) examining the efficacy of PRISM among AYAs receiving HCT for cancer and/or blood disorders.

Methods/design

The goal of this multi-site, parallel, RCT is to evaluate the effect of PRISM compared to psychosocial usual care (UC) among AYAs receiving HCT. Our primary hypothesis is that AYAs who receive PRISM will report lower depression and anxiety 6-months following enrollment compared to those who receive UC. The PRISM program includes four scripted coaching sessions targeting skills in stress-management, goal setting, cognitive-restructuring, and meaning-making, followed by a facilitated family meeting. Sessions are delivered one on one, 1–2 weeks apart, in-person or via videoconference. We aim to recruit 90 AYAs from 4 US pediatric AYA oncology centers. Eligible AYAs are aged 12–24 years; receiving HCT for malignancy or a bone marrow failure syndrome associated with cancer predisposition; < 4 weeks from their HCT date; able to speak English and read in English or Spanish; and cognitively able to complete sessions. Enrolled AYAs are randomized 1:1 within each site to receive PRISM+UC or UC alone. AYAs on both study-arms complete patient-reported outcome surveys at baseline, 3- and 6-months. Age-valid instruments assess depression and anxiety, overall and cancer-specific health-related quality of life, symptom burden, resilience, and hope. Covariate-adjusted regression models will compare AYA-reported depression and anxiety at 6-months in the PRISM versus UC groups. Secondary and exploratory objectives include assessments of PRISM’s cost-effectiveness and its impact on (i) parent and caregiver quality of life and mental health, (ii) pharmaco-adherence to oral graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis, (iii) biologic outcomes such as transplant engraftment and graft-versus-host disease, and (iv) biomarkers of stress such as heart rate variability and the Conserved Transcriptional Response to Adversity (CTRA) gene expression profile.

Discussion

If successful, this study has the potential to address a critical gap in whole-patient care for AYAs receiving HCT.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03640325, August 21, 2018.

Optimizing antithymocyte globulin dosing in haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation: long-term follow-up of a multicenter, randomized controlled trial

Given that randomized studies testing the long-term impact of antithymocyte globulin (ATG) dosing are scarce, we report the results of an extended follow-up from the original trial. In our prospective, multicenter, randomized trial, 408 leukemia patients 14-65 years of age who underwent haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation (haplo-HCT) under our original "Beijing Protocol" were randomly assigned one-to-one to ATG doses of 7.5 mg/kg (n = 203, ATG-7.5) or 10 mg/kg (n = 205, ATG-10.0) at four sites. Extended follow-up (median 1968 d (range: 1300-2710 d) indicated comparable 5-year probabilities of moderate-to-severe chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) (hazard ratio (HR): 1.384, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.876-2.189, P = 0.164), nonrelapse mortality (HR: 0.814, 95% CI: 0.526-1.261, P = 0.357), relapse (HR: 1.521, 95% CI: 0.919-2.518, P = 0.103), disease-free survival (HR: 1.074, 95% CI: 0.783-1.473, P = 0.658), and GVHD-free/relapse-free survival (HR: 1.186, 95% CI: 0.904-1.555, P = 0.219) between groups (ATG-7.5 vs. ATG-10.0). The 5-year rate of late effects did not differ significantly. However, the cytomegalovirus/Epstein-Barr virus-related death rate was much higher in the ATG-10.0 cohort than in the ATG-7.5 cohort (9.8% vs. 1.5%; P = 0.003). In summary, patients undergoing haplo-HCT benefit from 7.5 mg/kg ATG compared to 10.0 mg/kg ATG based on a balance between GVHD and infection control. ATG (7.5 mg/kg) is potentially regarded as the standard regimen in the platform. These results support the optimization of ATG use in the "Beijing Protocol", especially considering the potential economic advantage in developing countries.

Resignation and return to work in patients receiving allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation close up

PURPOSE

To characterize the issues regarding work and employment specific to allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) survivors, we conducted a nationwide cross-sectional questionnaire survey.

METHODS

We targeted allo-HCT survivors employed at diagnosis, aged 20-64 at survey, and survived ≥2 years without relapse. The questionnaire included the timing of and reasons for resignation (termination of employment contract), and patient-related, HCT-related, work-related, and HCT center-related factors.

RESULTS

A total of 1048 eligible participants were included in the analysis (response rate, 60%). The median time after allo-HCT was 5 years (range, 2-30) at the time of survey. After diagnosis, 41% of participants resigned from work throughout the course of treatment. The most frequent timing of the first resignation was "after discharge post-HCT" (46%), followed by "from diagnosis to initial treatment" (27%). Factors significantly associated with resignation included female gender, older age, and part-time employment. Favorable factors included the presence of occupational health staff at the workplace, employment of ≥10 years, and self-employed/freelance. After resignation, the overall incidence of return to work with some accommodations was 76% at 5 years after HCT, but it was 52% without any accommodation.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the rate of resignation was 41%, and the most frequent timing of resignation was after discharge post-HCT, accounting for approximately half of the resignations (46%). Workplace accommodations increased the rate of return to work from 52% to 76%.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Early detection of employment-related concerns and support throughout the treatment process are necessary for patients receiving allo-HCT.

Validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the functional assessment of cancer therapy-bone marrow transplant (FACT-BMT) quality of life questionnaire in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation

OBJECTIVE

The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Bone Marrow Transplant Version 4 (FACT-BMT) is a widely used instrument to assess quality of life in individuals treated with bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Our aim was to determine the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the FACT-BMT in patients undergoing BMT.

METHOD

Patients between the age of 20 and 65 years and who had undergone BMT at least 3 months before the study were included. Validity was determined using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. To determine convergent validity, the European Cancer Research and Treatment Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire-Cancer30 (EORTC QLQ-C30), the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI), and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance score were used. Cronbach's alpha, intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC), and item-total correlation (ITC) values were calculated to assess the reliability of the FACT-BMT.

RESULTS

Totally, 114 patients (F/M: 47/67) treated with BMT (mean age: 49.50 ± 12.50 years) were included. Confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis revealed that the FACT-BMT and the Bone Marrow Transplantation Subscale (BMTS) had sufficient fit. The FACT-BMT was moderately to strongly correlated with the EORTC QLQ-C30, the BFI, and the ECOG performance score (p < 0.001). Cronbach's alpha and ICC values of the FACT-BMT were acceptable (0.925 and 0.956, respectively). The ITC values of each item of the FACT-BMT were also acceptable (ranged from 0.296 to 0.737). Patients undergoing autologous BMT had a significantly higher BMTS score than those undergoing allogeneic BMT (p < 0.05).

SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS

The Turkish version of the FACT-BMT is valid, reliable, and sensitive to changes in quality of life in patients undergoing BMT.

Low 5-year health care burden after umbilical cord blood transplantation

Recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) experience a substantial health care burden, with potentially differing patterns of long-term health care requirements using peripheral blood stem cells, bone marrow, and umbilical cord blood (UCB) grafts. We analyzed data from 1077 consecutive adult allogeneic HCT recipients who underwent transplant at the University of Minnesota between 2000 and 2016. To estimate health care burden over time, we compared the number of visits, laboratory studies, medications, and relative value units billed. Health care elements were analyzed both individually and together (ie, total health care elements used per patient days into a density composite score). UCB had the lowest density health care burden composite score from the time of transplant through year 5 (median score 64.0 vs 70.5 for peripheral blood stem cells and 88.0 for bone marrow; P < .01). In multivariate analysis of health care burden between years 1 and 5, recipients of either bone marrow (odds ratio [OR] 0.49 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.29-0.84]) or peripheral blood stem cells (OR 0.49 [95% CI 0.36-0.67]) were half as likely to experience low health care burden compared with UCB. Adult recipients of UCB have a lower long-term health care burden compared with other graft sources, possibly reflecting a better quality of life.

Adverse Effects of Busulfan Plus Cyclophosphamide versus Busulfan Plus Fludarabine as Conditioning Regimens for Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation

BACKGROUND

The side effects of conditioning regimens on the success rate of allogeneic transplantation around the world have been challenging. In this study, we aimed to investigate the side effect of Bu/Cy and Bu/Flu regimens on our patients who underwent allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.

METHODS

We analyzed 180 patients receiving bone marrow transplantation in Taleghani Hospital, in Tehran, Iran between April 2016 and December 2019. Patients in group A received a combination of intravenous busulfan 0.8 mg/kg QID over two hours for 4 consecutive days (12.8 mg/kg in total)(Savani et al., 2006) and cyclophosphamide 60 mg/kg per day for two consecutive days. Patients in group B received busulfan the same as the first group in combination with fludarabine equal to 40 mg/m² per day. Patients were followed up at regular intervals up to two years after transplantation.

RESULT

Various items were evaluated for patients, including cardiopulmonary function, psychological disorders, GVHD, and endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism, fertility, or gonad dysfunction.  Primary hypothyroidism developed in 13.3% and 11.1% of the Bu/Cy and Bu/Flu groups, respectively (p=0.230). None of the patients in either group experienced infertility or gonad dysfunction. In group A versus group B, pulmonary diseases were detected in  4.4% versus 6.6% of BMT recipients, respectively (p = 0.223). In both groups, mitral and tricuspid regurgitation were observed in patients (8.9% vs. 11.1%; p = 0.189). Incidence of Psychological disorders was no significant difference between the two groups. 32.2% of group A versus 34.45%  of group B had skin and liver GVHD, respectively (p = 0.235).

CONCLUSION

The therapeutic-related adverse effects of the two conditioning regimens in patients who underwent allogeneic bone marrow transplant were almost similar. To improve quality of life and overall survival among BMT patients, careful evaluation of treatment-related complications should be part of the regular follow-up of them.

Predictors of quality of life in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation survivors

OBJECTIVES

To establish the demographic, medical, transplant, and lifestyle factors that impact Quality of Life (QoL) in long-term survivors of allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (allo-HSCT).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study utilizing self-report measures.

SAMPLE/METHODS

In this cross-sectional study of 441 adult survivors of allo-HSCT, participants completed questionnaires assessing QoL, psychological, social, demographic, and clinical variables.

FINDINGS

Factors associated with improved QoL post-allo-HSCT included time since transplant, female gender, attendance at outpatient appointments, health screening uptake, exercise, and resumption of travel. Factors significantly associated with impaired QoL included chronic morbidities (GVHD), taking psychotropic medication, failure to resume sexual activity (in men), male gender, psychological distress, low income or decline in work status, transition to non-physical work, and necessity for post-allo-HSCT care from various health professionals.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PSYCHOSOCIAL PROVIDERS

Identification of survivors more likely to experience a reduced QoL following allo-HSCT may enable the targeting of health services to the most vulnerable, and the development of interventions and resources. The data from this study led to the development of HSCT Long-Term Follow Up Clinical Guidelines in New South Wales.

Survivorship in AML - a landmark analysis on the outcomes of acute myelogenous leukemia patients after maintaining complete remission for at least 3 years

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) carries poor survival and high recurrence rate. We conducted a retrospective analysis of AML patients (N = 453) treated with chemotherapy only or chemotherapy + hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) who maintained their first complete remission (CR) for ≥3 years. Prior comorbidities, new comorbidities, secondary malignancies, late relapse, and causes of death (COD) were documented. New comorbidities for chemotherapy only patients (n = 304) included renal disease (10%), and osteopenia/osteoporosis (38%) for HCT patients (n = 149). Incidence of hypertension was similar in the chemotherapy only cohort and chemotherapy + HCT cohort (14% vs 17%). Secondary malignancies occurred in 13%, commonly skin, prostate and breast cancers. Common COD included: secondary malignancy (4%), HCT complications (3%), and late relapses (5%). Overall, 12% had a late relapse. Median overall survival for chemotherapy only and HCT was 10.7 and 12.7 years, respectively. Long-term AML survivors need routine monitoring for comorbidities, secondary malignancies, and late relapses.

Prospective follow-up of adult long-term survivors of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Patients who survive beyond two years after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) have an increased risk of long-term complications, which impact on their survival and quality of life. The aim of this study was to design and apply a long-term follow-up protocol to detect unmet needs and treat these complications early.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

A prospective study to detect and treat complications and long-term problems within an interdisciplinary functional unit was applied to survivors beyond 2 years of allogeneic HSCT (alloHSCT).

RESULTS

Thirty-six (36%) of the 99 patients included, required intervention in a cardiovascular risk factor by health education or antihypertensive and lipid-lowering drugs. Nine of 36 (25%) patients required calcium and vitamin D intake. Low inclusion of women in gynaecological neoplasm detection protocols was detected, as well as a low adherence to dental follow-up after alloHSCT.

CONCLUSION

The follow-up of long-term survivors after alloHSCT in a multidisciplinary unit allowed unmet needs to be detected and controlled, especially in cardiovascular risk, bone metabolism, cancer prevention, and dental control.

A head-to-head comparison of measurement properties of the EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-5L in acute myeloid leukemia patients

PURPOSE

This study aimed to compare the measurement properties of EQ-5D-3L(3L) and EQ-5D-5L(5L) in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in China.

METHODS

We consecutively recruited 168 patients with AML from three tertiary hospitals to complete two rounds of interviews using the two versions of the EQ-5D. We compared (i) the ceiling effect using the McNemar's test, (ii) test-retest reliability using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Cohen's weighted Kappa, (iii) convergent validity using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (r) and iv) discriminatory ability using F statistic and area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) of the 5L and the 3L.

RESULTS

The 5L descriptive system showed significantly lower ceiling effects in comparison to the 3L descriptive system (p < 0.001). While 5L showed superior reproducibility (Cohen's weighted Kappa = 0.56-0.67 and ICC = 0.89), both instruments exhibited good test-retest reliability. Even though both 3L and 5L showed good convergent and known-groups validity, 5L showed better convergent validity and discriminatory ability.

CONCLUSION

The current study found both 3L and 5L to be suitable for use in AML patients. However, 5L showed superior measurement properties compared to 3L. Thus, 5L could be the preferred instrument over 3L for use in AML patients.

Optimal Delivery of Follow-Up Care After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplant: Improving Patient Outcomes with a Multidisciplinary Approach

The increasing indications for allogeneic stem-cell transplant in patients with hematologic malignancies and non-malignant diseases combined with improved clinical outcomes have contributed to increase the number of long-term survivors. However, survivors are at increased risk of developing a unique set of complications and late effects, besides graft-versus-host disease and disease relapse. In this setting, the management capacity of a single health-care provider can easily be overwhelmed. Thus, to provide appropriate survivorship care, a multidisciplinary approach for the long-term follow-up is essential. This review aims at summarizing the most relevant information that a health-care provider should know to establish a follow-up care plan, in the light of individual exposures and risk factors, that includes all organ systems and considers the psychological burden of these patients.

Gait Analysis of Patients After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Reveals Impairments of Functional Performance

Background: After allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT), patients often report functional impairments like reduced gait speed and muscle weakness. These impairments can increase the risk of adverse health events similar to elderly populations. However, they have not been quantified in patients after alloHCT (PATs). Methods: We compared fear of falling (Falls Efficacy Scale–International) and temporal gait parameters recorded on a 10-m walkway at preferred and maximum gait speed and under dual-task walking of 16 PATs (aged 31-73 years) with 15 age-matched control participants (CONs) and 17 seniors (SENs, aged >73 years). Results: Groups’ gait parameters especially differed during the maximum speed condition: PATs walked slower and required more steps/10 m than CONs. PATs exhibited greater stride, stance, and swing times than CONs. PATs’ swing time was even longer than SENs’. The PATs’ ability to accelerate their gait speed from preferred to fast was smaller compared with CONs’. PATs reported a greater fear of falling than CONs and SENs. Conclusion: Gait analysis of alloHCT patients has revealed impairments of functional performance. Patients presented a diminished ability to accelerate gait and extending steps possibly related to a notable strength deficit that impairs power-generation abilities from lower extremities. Furthermore, patients reported a greater fear of falling than control participants and even seniors. Slowing locomotion could be a risk-preventive safety strategy. Since functional disadvantages may put alloHCT patients at a higher risk of frailty, reinforcing appropriate physical exercises already during and after alloHCT could prevent adverse health events and reduce the risk of premature functional aging.

Patients’ quality of life: Validation of the functional assessment of cancer therapy-bone marrow transplant (FACT-BMT) instrument for the Mexican population

Objective

The functional assessment of cancer therapy-bone marrow transplant (FACT-BMT) is a widely used instrument to assess quality of life (QOL) in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients, but there is little evidence of its validity in Latin American populations. This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the Spanish language version of the FACT-BMT in Mexican patients.

Method

First, the original version was piloted with 15 HSCT patients to obtain an adequate cultural version, resulting in the adaptation of one item. After that, the new version was completed by 139 HSCT patients.

Results

The results showed a FACT factor structure that explains 70.84% of the total variance, a factor structure similar to the original FACT structure, and with a high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.867). For the BMT subscale, the best factor structure included 17 items which explain 61.65% of the total variance with an adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.696).

Significance of the results

The FACT-BMT was found to be a valid and reliable instrument to evaluate QOL in Mexican patients. Our results constitute new FACT-BMT empirical evidence that supports its clinical and research uses.

Current Status and Needs of Long-Term Follow-Up Clinics for Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Survivors: Results of a Nationwide Survey in Japan

With increasing focus on the importance of long-term survivorship care after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT), more institutions have been establishing long-term follow-up (LTFU) clinics. Currently, however, with varying volumes of HCT procedures and resources, there is no standardized operation of these clinics in HCT centers. We conducted a nationwide questionnaire survey to characterize the current operation of LTFU clinics in Japan. We targeted 271 HCT centers (189 adult and 82 pediatric) that registered allo-HCT cases to the national transplant registry database. The response rate was 69%, and 117 of the 188 participating centers (62%) had an established LTFU clinic. The most frequent reason cited for not operating an LTFU clinic was a "lack of human resources," especially nurses. Most centers with an LTFU clinic targeted allo-HCT recipients, although autologous HCT survivors were followed up at 18% of adult centers and 48% of pediatric centers. Ninety-two percent of centers did not terminate LTFU at a specific time point, and 56% recommended that patients visit the LTFU clinic beyond 5 years after HCT. Fifteen of 20 pediatric centers indicated that they did not routinely refer survivors who underwent HCT at a young age to an adult HCT center for their adulthood LTFU. We found that staffing and standard practices varied widely among centers, and that most centers continued to see long-term HCT survivors at their own outpatient clinics. The development of common LTFU tools may help standardize LTFU practices and facilitate efficient transitions.

Returning to life activities after hematopoietic cell transplantation in older adults

OBJECTIVES

The prevalence of hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) among older adults with hematological malignancies has more than doubled over the last decade and continues to grow. HCT is an intense process that can impact functional status and health-related quality of life. The objective of this paper is to describe the experience of returning to life activities after HCT in patients 60 years of age and older and the resources required to adapt and cope to limitations in physical, psychological, and cognitive function.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty English speaking adults 60 years and older with hematological malignancy 3 to 12 months post-HCT completed semi-structured interviews. Open-ended questions and probes were guided by the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping to explore adaptive functioning, coping resources, and coping strategies. An integrated grounded theory approach was used to code the textual data to identify themes. The study took place at a tertiary comprehensive cancer center in the Midwest United States.

RESULTS

Eight allogeneic and twelve autologous HCT recipients participated in the interviews. Nineteen participants were within 6-12 months and 1 participant was at 3 months post-HCT. Our findings identify the significant role of engaging in life activities and social support in the recovery of physical, psychological and cognitive function.

CONCLUSION

Older HCT recipients are an understudied population. They are at high risk for functional decline. Our findings may provide community oncologists and primary care physicians with a context for providing care to older HCT survivors during their recovery.

Disability Related to Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is a heterogenous syndrome whose symptoms and treatment are often associated with decreases in functional status and quality of life among survivors of transplantation. We explored definitions of cGVHD-related disability and factors associated with disability in cGVHD. We analyzed 371 patients with cGVHD requiring a new systemic therapy with enrollment and 18-month assessments through the Chronic GVHD Consortium, evaluating disability as a composite endpoint including any 1 of 5 impairments previously defined by Fatobene et al [1] (score 2 or 3 keratoconjunctivitis sicca, score 2 or 3 scleroderma, any diagnosis of bronchiolitis obliterans, score 2 or 3 joint/fasciae involvement, or score 3 esophageal stricture requiring dilation). We also evaluated disability, defined as an ≥8-point decline in a human activity profile (HAP) score or a ≥20% decline in Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) from enrollment to 18 months. At enrollment, 47% of patients had at least 1 of the 5 Flowers disability features, with 50% of this group acquiring additional impairments at 18 months. Of the 197 patients (53%) with no Flowers disability at enrollment, 50% progressed with disability features at 18 months. We found that any progressive Flowers impairment was associated with a decline in HAP/KPS as well as with increased National Institutes of Health severity scores at 18 months. Enrollment mouth scores and patient-reported eye and skin scores were significantly associated with progressive impairment at 18 months. Progressive disability at 18 months did not predict subsequent nonrelapse mortality. Additional studies to define chronic GVHD related-disability and risk factors are needed to develop this important patient-centered outcome.

Pomalidomide-Responsive Extramedullary Myeloma Relapsed after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Transplant and Refractory to Multiple Lines of Chemotherapy

Patients who experience extramedullary relapses (EMR) of multiple myeloma (MM) have an adverse prognosis, also in this era of novel agents like proteasome inhibitors and immunomodulatory drugs. We describe the case of an MM patient with EMR at 2 different sites after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. EMR was refractory to bortezomib, anthracycline, and bendamustine, but the patient achieved long-term complete remission (4 years) with pomalidomide and dexamethasone. This supports the hypothesis that this could be due to the graft-versus-myeloma effect during therapy enhanced by pomalidomide.

Lifestyle behavior among lymphoma survivors after high-dose therapy with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, assessed by patient-reported outcomes

Introduction: High-dose therapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (HD-ASCT) is associated with an increased risk of late effects. Our aim was to assess lifestyle behavior and factors associated with unhealthy lifestyle among HD-ASCT-treated lymphoma survivors (HD-ASCT-LS). Materials and methods: We conducted a national cross-sectional study of HD-ASCT-LS treated during 1987-2008. Among 399 eligible participants, 312 (78%) completed patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) on lifestyle behavior (physical activity, overweight, smoking and alcohol consumption), chronic fatigue (CF) and somatic and mental illness. We assessed lifestyle according to WHO recommendations. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to study associations between variables. A comparison to the general population was performed. Results: Mean age at survey was 54.6 years, 60% were men, 55% sedentary, 55% overweight, 18% smokers and 5% had unhealthy alcohol consumption. Being sedentary was positively associated with older age, low household income, CF and higher somatic burden (≥4 self-reported somatic conditions). Overweight was positively associated with male gender and negatively associated with increased number of chemotherapy regimens prior to HD-ASCT. Current smoking was positively associated with living alone and CF, and negatively associated with older age. Male gender, CF and higher somatic burden increased the risk of an unhealthier lifestyle whereas the increased number of chemotherapy regimens prior to HD-ASCT decreased the risk. HD-ASCT-LS were significantly less sedentary, less overweight, and had a lower likelihood of smoking than the controls. Discussion: Assessed by PROMs, unhealthy habits were frequent among HD-ASCT-LS and associated with comorbidity. Nevertheless, compared with controls significantly more HD-ASCT-LS met lifestyle recommendations. These results indicate that the HD-ASCT-LS may consist of two groups, the adhering group with less comorbidity and the non-adhering group with more comorbidity. Our findings illustrate the necessity of recommendations and support for improving health-related behavior in cancer survivorship plans in order to empower survivors in their life beyond cancer.

A survey of infectious diseases and vaccination uptake in long-term hematopoietic stem cell transplant survivors in Australia

BACKGROUND

This cross-sectional survey aimed to establish the prevalence of infectious diseases and vaccination uptake in long-term allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT) survivors in New South Wales, in order to reduce long-term post-HSCT morbidity and mortality and enhance long-term care.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Hematopoietic stem cell transplants survivors aged over 18 years and transplanted between 2000-2012 in New South Wales (NSW) were eligible to participate. Survivors self-completed the Sydney Post BMT Study survey, FACT-BMT (V4), Chronic Graft versus Host Disease (cGVHD) Activity Assessment Self Report, Lee Chronic GvHD Symptom Scale, DASS21, Post Traumatic Growth Inventory, and the Fear of Recurrence Scale.

RESULTS

Of the 583 HSCT survivors contacted, 441 (78%) completed the survey. Respondents included 250 (57%) males and median age was 54 years (range 19-79 years). The median age at the time of transplant was 49 years (Range: 17-71), the median time since HSCT was 5 years (Range: 1-14) and 69% had cGVHD. Collectively, 41.7% of survivors reported a vaccine preventable disease (VPD) with the most common being influenza-like-illness (38.4%), varicella zoster/shingles (27.9%), pap smear abnormalities (9.8%), pneumococcal disease (5.1%), and varicella zoster (chicken pox) (4.6%). Only 31.8% had received the full post-HSCT vaccination schedule, and the majority (69.8%) of these had received the vaccines via their General Practitioner. cGVHD was not found to be a significant factor on multivariate analysis for those who were vaccinated. There was a trend toward lower vaccination rates in patients in a lower income strata.

CONCLUSIONS

Vaccinating post-HSCT survivors to prevent infections and their consequences have an established role in post-HSCT care. Improving rates of post-HSCT vaccination should be a major priority for BMT units.

CTL019 (tisagenlecleucel): CAR-T therapy for relapsed and refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Over the past decades, survival of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has dramatically improved, but the subgroup of patients with relapsed/refractory ALL still continues to have dismal prognosis. As an emerging therapeutic approach, chimeric antigen receptor-modified T-cells (CAR-T) represent one of the few practice-changing therapies for this subgroup of patients. Originally conceived and built in Philadelphia (University of Pennsylvania), CTL019 or tisagenlecleucel, the first CAR-T approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, showed impressive results in refractory/relapsed ALL since the publication on two pediatric patients in 2013. It is in this context that we provide a review of this product in terms of manufacturing, pharmacology, toxicity, and efficacy studies. Evaluation and management of toxicities, particularly cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity, is recognized as an essential part of the patient treatment with broader use of IL-6 receptor inhibitor. An under-assessed aspect, the quality of life of patients entering CAR-T cells treatment, will also be reviewed. By their unique nature, CAR-T cells such as tisagenlecleucel operate in a different way than typical drugs, but also provide unique hope for B-cell malignancies.

Tailoring a Survivorship Care Plan: Patient and Provider Preferences for Recipients of Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

This study aimed to develop a survivorship care plan (SCP) that can be individualized to facilitate long-term follow-up care of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) survivors. A sample SCP was developed that included 2 documents: a treatment summary and preventive care recommendations that combined data on treatment exposures routinely submitted by HCT centers to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research (CIBMTR) with long-term follow-up guidelines. Focus groups were conducted by phone to characterize the critical patient-centered elements of the SCP. Focus group eligibility criteria included (1) adult patients >1 year post-HCT and their caregivers (3 groups; n = 22), (2) HCT physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs) (2 groups; n = 14), (3) HCT nurses and social workers (4 groups; n = 17), and (4) community health care professionals (3 groups; n = 24). Transcripts were analyzed for saturation of key themes using NVivo 10 software. Patients and caregivers suggested combining the treatment summary and care guidelines into a single document. They also requested sections on sexual and emotional health and the immune system. Providers wanted the treatment summary to focus only on what they absolutely must know. Themes were similar across healthcare professionals, although screening for psychosocial issues was emphasized more by the nurses and social workers. All preferred to receive the SCP electronically; however, hardcopy was considered necessary for some patients. All felt that the SCP would facilitate appropriate post-HCT care. This study highlights the need for an SCP instrument to facilitate HCT survivorship care. Furthermore, it demonstrates the feasibility and value of engaging HCT recipients, caregivers, and providers in developing an SCP. Their feedback was incorporated into a final SCP that was subsequently tested in a randomized trial.

Patient-reported outcomes and health status associated with chronic graft-versus-host disease

Chronic graft-versus-host disease occurs in 20-50% of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant survivors. We surveyed patients about their quality of life, symptoms, health status, comorbid conditions and medications. Instruments included the Short-Form-36 (SF-36), the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Global and PROMIS-29 scales and the Lee Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease Symptom Scale. Functional status was measured by self-reported Karnofsky performance status and work status. Of 3027 surveys sent to recipients surviving one or more years after transplantation, 1377 (45%) were returned. Among these, patients reported that their chronic graft-versus-host disease was mild (n=257, 18.7%), moderate (n=110, 8.0%) or severe (n=25, 1.8%). Another 377 (27.4%) had never had chronic graft-versus-host disease and 280 (20.3%) had had chronic graft-versus-host disease but it had resolved. We excluded 328 (23.8%) patients who did not answer the questions about chronic graft-versus-host disease. Patients who reported moderate or severe chronic graft-versus-host disease reported worse quality of life, lower performance status, a higher symptom burden and were more likely to be taking prescription medications for pain, anxiety and depression compared to those with resolved chronic graft-versus-host disease. Self-reported measures were similar between patients with resolved chronic graft-versus-host disease and those who had never had it. Our data suggest that the PROMIS measures may be able to replace the SF-36 in the assessment of chronic graft-versus-host disease. Between 26.7-39.4% of people with active chronic graft-versus-host disease were unable to work due to health reasons, compared with 12.1% whose chronic graft-versus-host disease had resolved and 15.4% who had never had chronic graft-versus-host disease. Mouth, eye and nutritional symptoms persisted after resolution of chronic graft-versus-host disease. These results show that better prevention of and treatment for chronic graft-versus-host disease are needed to improve survivorship after allogeneic transplantation.

Engagement with INSPIRE, an Online Program for Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Survivors

In a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial (RCT), we examined participants' engagement with INSPIRE, a personalized online program for hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) survivors that focuses on cancer-related distress, depression, fatigue, and health care needs. We approached all adult, 3- to 18-year HCT survivors treated for hematologic malignancy without relapse or second cancer in the previous 2 years for participation in an RCT with either immediate or delayed access to INSPIRE. Participants with immediate access could view the online material at any time. Data included page view tracking, medical records, and patient-reported outcomes, including the Short Form 36 and Cancer and Treatment Distress (CTXD) measures. Of 1322 eligible HCT survivors, 771 (58%) completed the baseline assessment, and 451 received immediate INSPIRE access and were included in analyses. The cohort was 56% male, with a mean age of 52 ± 12.2 years, and 26% received an autologous transplant. Most (77%) logged into the INSPIRE site at least once, and 48% viewed ≥8 pages. Survivors who viewed ≥2 pages were more likely to be age ≥40 years (relative risk [RR], 1.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10 to 1.80), to be female (RR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.40), to have chronic graft-versus-host disease (RR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.51), to be less than 10 years post-HCT (RR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.39), and to have moderate CTXD distress (RR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.14 to 1.57). Engagement did not differ by race, education, income, rural/urban residence, computer experience, donor type, or depression (all P ≥ .50). The INSPIRE online program was widely used, including by those who often have reduced access to care after treatment.

An online randomized controlled trial, with or without problem-solving treatment, for long-term cancer survivors after hematopoietic cell transplantation

PURPOSE

This randomized controlled trial examines the efficacy of INSPIRE, an INternet-based Survivorship Program with Information and REsources, with or without problem-solving treatment (PST) telehealth calls, for survivors after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT).

METHODS

All adult survivors who met eligibility criteria were approached for consent. Participants completed patient-reported outcomes at baseline and 6 months. Those with baseline impaired scores on one or more of the outcomes were randomized to INSPIRE, INSPIRE + PST, or control with delayed INSPIRE access. Outcomes included Cancer and Treatment Distress, Symptom Checklist-90-R Depression, and Fatigue Symptom Inventory. Planned analyses compared arms for mean change in aggregated impaired outcomes and for proportion of participants improved on each outcome.

RESULTS

Of 1306 eligible HCT recipients, 755 (58%) participated, and 344 (45%) had one or more impaired scores at baseline. We found no reduction in aggregated outcomes for either intervention (P > 0.3). In analyses of individual outcomes, participants randomized to INSPIRE + PST were more likely to improve in distress than controls (45 vs. 20%, RR 2.3, CI 1.0, 5.1); those randomized to INSPIRE alone were marginally more likely to improve in distress (40 vs. 20%, RR 2.0, CI 0.9, 4.5).

CONCLUSIONS

The INSPIRE online intervention demonstrated a marginal benefit for distress that improved with the addition of telehealth PST, particularly for those who viewed the website or were age 40 or older.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Online and telehealth programs such as INSPIRE offer opportunities to enhance HCT survivorship outcomes, particularly for mood, though methods would benefit from strategies to improve efficacy.

Refined graft-versus-host disease/relapse-free survival in transplant from HLA-identical related or unrelated donors in acute myeloid leukemia

Refined graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)/relapse-free survival (GRFS) considers main outcomes of allogeneic stem cell transplant (HSCT), estimating long-term survival without significant morbidity as a surrogate of HSCT success. We compared GRFS in 5059 adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), undergoing HSCT in first complete remission from 2000 to 2015 either from a matched sibling (MSD, n = 3731) or unrelated donor (MUD, n = 1328). Median age was 49 (range: 18-76) years. Median follow-up was 32 and 60 months in MSD and MUD, respectively (p < 0.01). Compared to MSD, at 4 years, MUD recipients had lower GRFS, with higher NRM, grade III-IV acute GVHD, and extensive chronic GVHD (HR: 1.42, p < 0.01). We also performed a risk factor analyses, showing unfavorable cytogenetics (HR: 1.42, p < 0.01) and peripheral blood as stem cell source (HR: 1.22, p < 0.01) associated to lower GRFS, while this was higher with in vivo T-cell depletion (TCD, HR: 0.73, p < 0.01) and shorter time from diagnosis to HSCT (HR 0.96, p < 0.01). Different factors, modifiable or not, such as donor type, stem cell source, disease biology, and in vivo TCD, impact on GRFS and this may guide in the future transplant choices to improve morbidity and long-term quality of life.

Design and Patient Characteristics of the Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease Response Measures Validation Study

In 2014, the National Institutes of Health sponsored the second Consensus Development Project on Criteria for Clinical Trials in Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease (GVHD). The purpose was to update recommendations about key elements of chronic GVHD research, including definitions for diagnosis, severity scoring, and response measures, based on empirical data published since the first 2005 Consensus Conference. The most significant modifications were to the response assessments, based on studies demonstrating difficulty with the first consensus definitions. The Response Measures Validation Study is a multicenter, prospective cohort study of patients who are starting initial or subsequent treatments for chronic GVHD. The aim of the study is to evaluate the performance of the 2014 response measures and determine whether any other combination of assessments is superior. Clinical data, clinician assessments, patient-reported outcomes, and research samples are collected at enrollment and 3, 6, and 18 months later, and whenever another chronic GVHD systemic treatment is added. The target enrollment of 368 evaluable patients from 12 transplantation centers has been reached. This report describes the rationale, design, and methods of the Chronic GVHD Response Measures Validation Study, and invites other investigators to collaborate with the Consortium to analyze data or specimens.