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Quality of Life

A single-centre assessment of long-term quality-of-life status after sibling allogeneic stem cell transplantation for chronic myeloid leukaemia in first chronic phase

Summary:

A total of 75 patients underwent sibling allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) for chronic myeloid leukaemia in first chronic phase from 1984 to 2000. Of these patients, 51 (68%) were alive at a median follow-up of 98 months (range 34–217 months). Nine (18%) patients relapsed and seven (14%) received donor lymphocyte transfusions. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed cross-sectionally using the EORTC QLQ-C30, a Leukaemia–BMT-specific module and questionnaires on sexual functioning, fertility and late effects. A total of 46 (90%) replied. Scores for Role (P=0.018) and Cognitive (P<0.001) function were significantly lower when compared to an age-adjusted general population. Dyspnoea (P=0.022) and Financial Difficulties (P<0.001) were significantly more common in the SCT group. No difference was found for scores in the Physical, Emotional and Social domains or the overall Global Health Status/QoL. Decreased sexual functioning was found in one-third of respondents. Although most BMT recipients reported a good QoL, a minority have difficulty with reintegration into professional roles and consequent monetary problems. Identified cognitive and sexual impairments highlight the need for long-term access to psychosocial support.

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Acknowledgements

We acknowledge Dr Janis Homewood and Dr Maggie Watson, Department of Epidemiology, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, UK, Dr Martin O'Connor, Department of Ophthalmology, and Professor John Bonnar and colleagues, Department of Gynaecology, St James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.

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Correspondence to P J Hayden.

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Hayden, P., Keogh, F., Ni Conghaile, M. et al. A single-centre assessment of long-term quality-of-life status after sibling allogeneic stem cell transplantation for chronic myeloid leukaemia in first chronic phase. Bone Marrow Transplant 34, 545–556 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bmt.1704638

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