Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in India-2017 Annual Update

Quality of life and symptom burden in hematological cancer patients receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: an observational study at Regional Cancer Centre, India

PURPOSE

Hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is an intense form of treatment, resulting in major symptom burden but can prove curative. The quality of life (QOL) is a major endpoint for these patients as the survival rate in them has improved over time. The aim of the study is to assess the QOL and symptom burden of hematological malignancy patients at admission to hospital for HSCT, at 1 month and at 3 months following HSCT.

METHODS

This prospective observational study was done on hematological malignancy patients who were admitted for HSCT in a regional cancer center. The study subjects were assessed by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Bone Marrow Transplant Scale (FACT-BMT Scale), Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale-revised (r-ESAS), and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 Items (DASS-21) at the time of hospital admission for transplantation, on day 30 (~ 1 month) and day100 (~ 3 months) of transplantation.

RESULTS

A total of 68 patients were included in this study. FACT-BMT scores have decreased from baseline (F0) to the first follow-up (F1) and then increased in the third follow-up (F2). The maximum r-ESAS mean score was for tiredness among all other symptoms at F0 as well as at F1 and at F2. The DASS 21 scores for depression, anxiety, and stress were maximum during F1 and minimum during F2.

CONCLUSION

Symptom burden is maximum during the first month of BMT, which improves later and QOL becomes improved with time.

Highlights of Abstracts on Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant in Annual Conference of ISHBT 2018

Stem cell transplant in India has been seeing a steady progressive growth over the last decade. Thirty abstracts related to various aspects of bone marrow transplant were presented in the annual conference of Indian Society of Hematology and Transfusion medicine in 2018. All abstracts which were published were reviewed. They were categorized into autologous transplants, allogeneic transplants, lab aspects and supportive care. They have been summarized to provide a snapshot of the data presented. These data are likely to encourage to start or enhance transplant activity at other centers.

Plasma Cell Dyscrasias in India-2017 Updates

Rapid advances are being made in the field of plasma cell dyscrasias. Many abstracts pertaining to the laboratory aspects, clinical features, treatment modalities and outcome of plasma cell dyscrasias were presented at Hematocon 2017. All the total of 24 abstracts pertaining to plasma cell dyscrasias presented at the Hematocon 2017 were reviewed. Out of them 10 were original research and 14 were case reports/short case series. The key findings of original research studies conducted in India are being summarized. Exciting research in the field of plasma cell dyscrasias is being carried out by various centers in the country. Data presented on various aspects of research in plasma cell disorders is encouraging. Multicentric research in the field plasma cell dyscrasias should be encouraged to highlight the various aspects of disease biology and challenges in management unique to our country.