We examined the course and the prevalence of a high fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) in patients undergoing allogeneic PBSC transplantation (hematopoietic SCT (HSCT)) before HSCT (N = 239), 100 days after (n = 150, and 12 months after allogeneic HSCT (n = 102). The Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FoP-Q-SF), the EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used. Pre-HSCT 36% of patients, 100 days after HSCT 24% of patients, and 1 year after HSCT 23% of patients fulfilled the criteria for high FCR (FoP-Q-SF cutoff = 34). Being married (b = 2.76, P = 0.026), female gender (b = 4.45, Po 0.001) and depression (b = 4.44, P o 0.001) were significantly associated with FCR at baseline. One hundred days after HSCT, depression significantly predicted FCR (b = 6.46, Po 0.001). One year following HSCT, female gender (b = 6.61, P = 0.008) and higher depression were (b = 4.88, P = 0.004) significant predictors for FCR. Over the three assessment points, patients with high FCR had a significantly lower quality of life compared to patients with low FCR in physical functioning (P = 0.019), role functioning (P = 0.003), emotional functioning (P o 0.001), cognitive functioning (P = 0.003), social functioning (P o 0.001) and global quality of life (P o 0.001). Our data provide evidence that FCR is a prevalent problem in patients with hematological malignancies and has a significant adverse impact on health-related quality of life.

We recommend that clinicians monitor supportive care needs in patients struggling with FCR and anxiety.