The 47th Annual Meeting of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation: Psychiatry and Psychology Group - Oral Session (O170-O171)
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June 24, 2021
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0 min
Psychosocial Issues in Lymphoma Patients Undergoing Stem Cell Transplant
Overview
A global survey comparing lymphoma patients treated with stem cell transplant (SCT) to those with relapse but no SCT revealed higher prevalence of psychosocial distress in the SCT group. Notably, fear of cancer relapse and related intrusive thoughts were significantly more common among SCT patients.
Background
Stem cell transplantation is an intensive treatment modality for lymphoma that can lead to prolonged psychosocial distress. Understanding the specific psychosocial challenges faced by SCT patients compared to those with relapsed lymphoma but no transplant is critical. The Lymphoma Coalition 2020 Global Patient Survey provided a large, multilingual dataset to explore these issues internationally. This study analyzed psychosocial outcomes to inform supportive care priorities.
Data Highlights
| Psychosocial Issue | Odds Ratio (SCT vs NSCT) | Significance (p-value) |
|---|---|---|
| Loss of self-esteem | 1.06 | NS |
| Concerns about body image | 1.05 | NS |
| Changes in relationships | 1.21 | NS |
| Isolation | 1.06 | NS |
| Anxiety | 1.14 | NS |
| Fear of cancer relapse (FCR) | 1.40 | 0.001 |
Among patients experiencing FCR, SCT patients had significantly higher odds of:
| Associated Feeling | Odds Ratio (SCT vs NSCT) | p-value |
|---|---|---|
| Examining for physical signs | 2.18 | <0.001 |
| Thinking about cancer returning | 1.90 | <0.001 |
| Thoughts about dying | 1.87 | <0.001 |
| Difficulty making future plans | 1.75 | <0.001 |
| Intrusive thoughts affecting daily activities | 1.60 | 0.030 |
Key Findings
- Patients treated with stem cell transplant reported higher prevalence of psychosocial issues compared to those with relapsed lymphoma but no transplant.
- Fear of cancer relapse was significantly more common in SCT patients (OR=1.40, p=0.001).
- SCT patients experiencing fear of relapse were twice as likely to examine themselves for physical signs of cancer (OR=2.18, p<0.001).
- Other associated fears such as thoughts about cancer returning, dying, difficulty planning, and intrusive thoughts were significantly elevated in SCT patients.
- Demographic factors such as age, area of residence, and lymphoma subtype were controlled for in the analysis.
- The SCT group had a higher proportion of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma subtype compared to the non-SCT group.
Clinical Implications
These findings highlight the need for routine psychosocial assessment in lymphoma patients undergoing stem cell transplantation. Targeted interventions to address fear of cancer relapse and related anxiety symptoms should be integrated into post-transplant care. Multidisciplinary teams should prioritize psychological support to improve quality of life during the complex treatment and recovery phases.
Conclusion
Lymphoma patients treated with stem cell transplant experience greater psychosocial distress, particularly fear of relapse, compared to those with relapsed disease without transplant. Enhanced psychosocial care is essential to address these challenges in this vulnerable population.
References
This content is an AI-generated, fully rewritten summary based on a published scholarly article. It does not reproduce the original text and is not a substitute for the original publication. Readers are encouraged to consult the source for full context, data, and methodology.
