Expanding Indications for Stem Cell Transplantation

110 Awakening From the Cocoon – Family Members Transitioning Through 100 days Post Stem Cell Transplant

“…Stem cells were harvested from donors by repeatedly inserted large-bore needles into the iliac crest under general anesthesia (Liesveld, 2000) until 0.5 to 1 L of bone marrow was collected depending on the size of the donor and recipient (Schmit-Pokorny, 2009). …”

“…HSCT has emerged from an investigational to a leading edge therapy for numerous malignant and non malignant diseases (Cutler & Antin, 2005;Ezzone, 2009;Holmes, 2005;Saria & Gosselin-Acomb, 2007;Schmit-Pokorny, 2009;Shivnan et al, 1996). Early research and clinical practice in the field of BMT focused on medical outcomes which had the greatest impact on relapse rates and disease-free status.…”

“…These developments in technology, disease treatment and management have allowed HSCT to become commonplace in contemporary medicine (Cutler & Antin, 2005;Ezzone, 2009;Saria & Gosselin-Acomb, 2007;Schmit-Pokorny, 2009;Shivnan, Shelton, & Onners, 1996) with approximately 50,000 transplant being undertaken annually worldwide (Ferrara et al, 2007). In Manitoba, over HSCT has been used for numerous years primarily for the treatment of haematological malignancies such as, leukemias, lymphomas and multiple myeloma.…”

“…As advancements in research and medicine continue to evolve and indications for HSCT continue to change (Schmit-Pokorny, 2009), gaining an increased understanding of the issues and needs of this unique patient population and their families is crucial. This knowledge may be gained by understanding the perspectives of the HSCT recipients and their families.…”

Physical Function and Quality of Life in Patients who had Undergone Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

“…Our previous study showed: (1) reduced skeletal muscle strength, exercise tolerance, and health status in patients prior to HSCT compared with population norms; (2) QOL is associated with various confounding factors. In particular, we found an association between health-related QOL and fatigue, sex, and remission status; and (3) loss of physiological function is also associated with various confounding factors.…”