Younger, Older HCT Recipients Have Comparable QOL

Older transplant recipients experienced comparable quality of life (QOL) when compared with younger recipients, according to a new prospective study of 351 transplant recipients surveyed between 2003 and 2010. Researchers measured post-transplant QOL using three validated questionnaires: Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Bone Marrow Transplant (FACT-BMT), Coping Inventory, and the Profile of Mood State-Short Form. Patients ≥60 reported better social (p=0.006) and functional well-being (p=0.05) on FACT-BMT scales, and had better total scores, (p=0.043) across all time points than patients ≤60. Over the median 49 month follow up period, overall survival, relapse-free survival, relapse and chronic GVHD did not differ between the two groups. The researchers conclude that their study “provides further evidence that advanced age should not be a barrier in the decision to pursue allogeneic HCT.”

Hamilton BK, et al. Bone Marrow Transplant


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