Summary: Long-term health consequences of stem cell transplant using donor cells (an allogeneic transplant) are very real, although they affect a minority of patients and can often be treated effectively. This presentation reviews the most common problems following an allogeneic transplant and the therapies available to treat them.
(Please note that throughout this presentation, unless otherwise specified, the word "transplant" refers to bone marrow or stem cell transplants that use cells from a donor, not from the patient.)
Presenter: Scott Rowley MD, FACP, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
To read the transcript, go to:
www.bmtinfonet.org/video/out-...
Highlights:
Despite improvements, stem cell transplantation is associated with increased overall mortality and decreased life expectancy. Causes of death after an allogeneic stem cell transplant (a transplant using cells from a donor) include relapse, infections, secondary cancers, and heart disease.
Stem cell transplant recipients can minimize post-transplant complications by receiving proper vaccinations, following cancer screening recommendations, and implementing lifestyle changes where appropriate.
Caregivers are a crucial part of a successful transplant and follow-up care, but they often report social and psychological challenges like fatigue, sleep problems, depression, and anxiety arising from their role. Various interventions can help caregivers manage these challenges.
April 2023, Part of the Virtual Celebrating a Second Chance at Life Survivorship Symposium
Presentation is 40 minutes long with 18 minutes of Q & A
Key Points:
(06:12): Survival rates have improved for allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients, despite the fact that more older patients now undergo a transplant.
(09:35): Relapse is the primary cause of death after an allogeneic transplant, but is much less likely to occur once you're two years or more out after transplantation.
(10:18): Chronic GVHD is major concern after an allogeneic transplant.
(11:56): Organ damage as well as bone and joint damage can occur after an allogeneic transplant.
(12:27): Psychological and financial challenges are common after transplant.
(14:38): Transplant recipients may have up to double the relative risk of various medical problems compared to the general population, but these problems are still somewhat rare.
(20:36): Causes of death in transplant patients include relapse, infections, secondary cancers, and heart disease.
(21:00): Late fatal infections are a significant risk for transplant patients. Many can be prevented with vaccines or treated with antibiotics.
(27:55): Neurocognitive disorders may affect up to half of transplant recipients, particular soon after transplant. Most transplant recipients recover from neurocognitive disorders with time.
(34:29): Transplant recipients should have a long-term survivorship plan that spells out recommended doctor visits, tests, scans, and screenings long-term after transplant.
Meet the speaker: sirpantimmunotx.com/team/scot...
WHO WE ARE: BMT InfoNet is dedicated to providing patients and their loved ones with emotional support and high quality, easy-to-understand information about blood stem cell transplants (bone marrow, peripheral blood and cord blood) and other cellular therapies. Whether you are just beginning your transplant or cellular therapy journey, or learning to manage the joys and challenges of survivorship,
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