Home Transfusion Program for Blood Cancer

Overseen By Oreofe O. Odejide, MD,MPH

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Disqualifiers: Congestive heart failure, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

20 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of the research is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a home blood transfusion program for patients with hematologic malignancies who need blood transfusions

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

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

What data supports the effectiveness of the Home Transfusion Program for Blood Cancer treatment?

Research shows that home transfusion programs can be safe and effective, as seen in studies with patients receiving blood transfusions at home for conditions like beta-thalassemia and pediatric palliative care. These programs improve patient comfort, reduce hospital visits, and maintain quality of life, suggesting potential benefits for blood cancer patients as well. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the Home Transfusion Program safe for patients?

Research shows that home transfusion programs are generally safe for patients, including those with conditions like advanced malignancy, chronic anemia, beta-thalassaemia, and myelodysplastic syndromes. Studies report no significant safety issues, and patients often experience improved comfort and satisfaction with home transfusions. ^{1 2 5 6 7}

How is the Home Transfusion Program for Blood Cancer different from other treatments?

The Home Transfusion Program for Blood Cancer is unique because it allows patients to receive blood transfusions at home instead of in a hospital, which can improve comfort, reduce hospital visits, and enhance patient satisfaction. This approach is particularly beneficial for those with chronic anemia who require regular transfusions, as it minimizes the need for difficult and costly transportation to the hospital. ^{2 3 5 6 8}

Research Team

Oreofe O. Odejide, MD

Principal Investigator

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults over 18 with advanced blood cancers who've had at least one safe transfusion, are under the care of DFCI, and have a prognosis of six months or less. They must live with an adult caregiver within a specific area served by Care Dimensions Hospice.

Inclusion Criteria

Physician-estimated prognosis of six months or less

Has an adult informal caregiver that lives in the same residence

Patient resides within catchment served by Care Dimensions Hospice

Exclusion Criteria

Does not have an identified adult informal caregiver who lives in the same residence

I am under 18 years old.

History of previous serious adverse transfusion reaction

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Home Transfusion Program

Participants receive home blood transfusions, complete questionnaires, and participate in interviews and blood draws as needed

6 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Home Transfusion Program Components

Trial Overview The study is evaluating the effectiveness of administering blood transfusions at home for patients with blood cancers. It aims to determine if this approach is practical and well-received by both patients and their caregivers.

Participant Groups

Group I: Home Transfusion Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

This research study involves completing questionnaires, a brief interview, blood draws, and blood transfusions when needed. * Home Transfusion Program Components * Participants will be in the research study for up to six months

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,128

Recruited

382,000+

Findings from Research

A pilot study involving 71 patients demonstrated that home hemotherapy is a safe and effective option, with no interruptions needed during 137 home transfusions of red blood cells and platelets.

The program's success relies on thorough staff education and adherence to clinical guidelines, with an average of 4.36 hours of nursing time per patient for transfusion-related care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Initiation of a home hemotherapy program using a primary nursing model. Crocker, KS., Coker, MH.[2010]

North Middlesex Hospital has successfully implemented a home transfusion program for patients with beta-thalassemia major over three years, allowing trained relatives to supervise red-cell transfusions at home.

This program has led to increased patient comfort, fewer absences from school or work, reduced hospital bed usage, and higher satisfaction among patients and their caregivers.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A home blood transfusion programme for beta-thalassaemia patients. Madgwick, KV., Yardumian, A.[2019]

Home transfusion (HT) is a feasible and safe practice for patients receiving specialized care at home, with a low adverse event rate of 2.68% over 2126 transfusion episodes involving 613 patients.

The study found that HT can reduce hospital readmissions and is sustainable when conducted by well-trained staff under specific protocols, highlighting its potential as an effective component of Hospital at Home care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Home transfusion: three decades of practice at a tertiary care hospital. García, D., Aguilera, A., Antolín, F., et al.[2019]

The first study of home hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in the U.S. showed that patients receiving home HCT had similar clinical outcomes to those receiving standard treatment, with a notable decrease in relapse rates within one year.

Patients undergoing autologous home HCT were able to maintain their quality of life, indicating that this model may enhance patient well-being during treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Home-Based Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in the United States. Sung, AD., Giri, VK., Tang, H., et al.[2023]

A case series involving 101 transfusion procedures for six pediatric patients showed that home transfusions for those in Pediatric Palliative Care were safe, with no reported adverse effects.

Families expressed high satisfaction with home transfusions, appreciating the convenience and reduced disruption to daily life, while the program also resulted in cost savings for the Regional Health System.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Safety and Feasibility of Home Transfusions in Pediatric Palliative Care: A Preliminary Report. De Zen, L., Del Rizzo, I., Vendrametto, V., et al.[2022]

Home blood transfusion can significantly improve the comfort and quality of life for patients with chronic anemia by allowing them to avoid the difficult and costly transportation to hospitals for transfusions.

The practice has shown to have few mild adverse events, but its development was previously hindered by a lack of funding and framework until new recommendations were published in 2018, suggesting a potential for growth in this area of healthcare.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Home blood transfusion in France: Benefits and development terms]. Charron, J., Gouëzec, H., Bajeux, E.[2020]

A 5-year study involving 211 patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) demonstrated that home care transfusions are a reliable and safe option for managing these patients.

The dedicated home care service significantly improved the quality of life for frail MDS patients by reducing the need for hospital admissions and outpatient visits.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Transfusions at home in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes. Niscola, P., Tendas, A., Giovannini, M., et al.[2019]

Patients who received home care during the acute post-transplantation phase reported higher satisfaction with their care compared to those treated in the hospital, indicating that home care can be a viable option for patient support.

The study highlights that patients valued safety, empathy, and continuous information from healthcare staff, suggesting that these factors are crucial for enhancing patient experiences regardless of the care setting.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Hospital care or home care after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation--patients' experiences of care and support. Bergkvist, K., Larsen, J., Johansson, UB., et al.[2015]

References

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

Initiation of a home hemotherapy program using a primary nursing model. [2010]

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

A home blood transfusion programme for beta-thalassaemia patients. [2019]

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

Home transfusion: three decades of practice at a tertiary care hospital. [2019]

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

Home-Based Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in the United States. [2023]

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

Safety and Feasibility of Home Transfusions in Pediatric Palliative Care: A Preliminary Report. [2022]

6. France pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Home blood transfusion in France: Benefits and development terms]. [2020]

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

Transfusions at home in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes. [2019]

8. Scotland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Hospital care or home care after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation--patients' experiences of care and support. [2015]