Poster Presentation FCIC Survivorship Conference 2013

Moving on from Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplants? (#73)

Emily C Schneider 1 , Michael Marthick
  1. The Leukaemia Foundation, Erskineville, NSW, Australia
Over recent decades there has been an increasing number of allogenic haematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT) performed with a growing number of survivors. Severe fatigue induced by this procedure  affects 30 -75% of allogenic HSCT survivors and hinders long-term quality of life. This prospective cohort study will include 5-8 people who have had an allogenic HSCT in the last 3-9 months and who have consented to being part of the study. Prticipants will undertake an 8 week group program which will include 8 sessions with an exercise physiologist, 4 sessions with a dietition and 3 sessions with a psychologist. Topics to be addressed will include cancer treatment induced side-effects; improving lost muscle mass with through diet and exercise; healthy eating recommendations; exercising at home; returning to work; and regaining your social life. Pre-program testing will consitst of the Piper Fatigue Scale questionnaire; a fitness test (6 minute walk, sit-to-stand, balance, body composition, blood pressure, spirometry and grip strength), the S-F 36 questionnaire; and the Cancer Council dietary questionnaire for epidemiological studies. Participants will be re-assessed immediately after and at 6, 9 and 12 months post program completion. This study will not commence until Janurary 30, 2013 so we do not have any results at this stage.