Peer Support for Bone Marrow Transplant Recipients

Overseen By Samantha Mayo, RN PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University Health Network, Toronto

Disqualifiers: Non-English speaking

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 9

Duration: 6 months

15 Participants Needed

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}

Research Team

Samantha Mayo, RN PhD

Principal Investigator

University Health Network, Toronto

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.

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

Exclusion Criteria

Non-English speaking

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

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.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University Health Network, Toronto

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,555

Recruited

526,000+

Findings from Research

A systematic review of eight studies involving 574 patients with hematologic malignancies or those who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) found that peer support may lead to improved physical symptoms and overall health outcomes.

Despite some positive findings, the literature on peer support in this population is limited, indicating a need for more randomized controlled trials to better understand its effectiveness and develop empirically based interventions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Peer support in patients with hematologic malignancies: a systematic review. Amonoo, HL., Harnedy, LE., Staton, SC., et al.[2022]

In a study of 282 patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation, those with partners reported significantly higher levels of positive social support, which is crucial for emotional well-being during treatment.

The research identified that problematic social support negatively impacts emotional and social functioning, highlighting the importance of healthy support systems for patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Social support and quality of life of patients prior to stem cell or bone marrow transplantation. Frick, E., Ramm, G., Bumeder, I., et al.[2015]

Psychological issues such as fatigue, depression, and relationship changes are common among adolescents and young adults (AYA) following hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

The study proposes a developmental treatment model based on qualitative data and case studies, emphasizing a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to address the unique challenges faced by AYA transplant patients in their first year post-transplant.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Psychosocial care for adolescent and young adult hematopoietic cell transplant patients. Cooke, L., Chung, C., Grant, M.[2021]

A study involving 25 hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients revealed that while 70% had no formal experience with peer support, 83% recognized its potential benefits, such as managing expectations and uncertainty during recovery.

Most participants (60%) expressed a preference for initiating a peer support intervention before their HSCT hospitalization, indicating a strong desire for support during the pre-transplant phase.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Peer support in patients with hematologic malignancies undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT): a qualitative study. Amonoo, HL., Harnedy, LE., Deary, EC., et al.[2022]

The study analyzed the psychosocial impact of autologous bone marrow transplantation (AuBMT) on 45 high-risk breast cancer patients, highlighting that recovery is influenced by various psychosocial factors across physical, emotional, vocational, social, and family domains.

Group support interventions were found to significantly enhance the healing process, providing valuable resources and support for participants during their challenging recovery from this aggressive treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

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. Feigin, R., Greenberg, A., Ras, H., et al.[2019]

Adolescents and young adults (AYA) undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (alloHSCT) reported better physical quality of life and higher activity scores compared to older patients, indicating a unique resilience in this age group.

Despite their higher physical well-being, AYA patients showed similar psychosocial restrictions as older patients, highlighting the need for tailored support and awareness of their specific challenges during recovery.

NCBI (Pubmed)

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. Pulewka, K., Wolff, D., Herzberg, PY., et al.[2018]

In a study of 279 adolescent and young adult survivors of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), social functioning was found to be significantly below age-adjusted norms, indicating long-term challenges in this area.

Factors such as distress, fatigue, and physical function were strongly associated with social functioning, suggesting that interventions aimed at improving these symptoms could enhance the social well-being of HSCT survivors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

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. Walsh, CA., Yi, JC., Rosenberg, AR., et al.[2021]

References

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

Peer support in patients with hematologic malignancies: a systematic review. [2022]

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

Social support and quality of life of patients prior to stem cell or bone marrow transplantation. [2015]

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

Psychosocial care for adolescent and young adult hematopoietic cell transplant patients. [2021]

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

Peer support in patients with hematologic malignancies undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT): a qualitative study. [2022]

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]

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]

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]