Improving the Lives of Bone Marrow Transplant Survivors
by K. Scott Baker, M.D.
Research is focusing on the long term effects of blood and marrow transplants.
Individuals who received a blood or marrow transplant (BMT) in the 1970’s and early 1980’s represent the longest living BMT survivors in the world. As this population ages, our research team at the University of Minnesota is investigating the late effects of BMT. We are also interested in whether common health problems associated with aging may occur more frequently or earlier in long-term survivors.
Some evidence suggests that cancer survivors, particularly BMT survivors, may be at a higher risk for a metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome includes issues of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, early signs of diabetes and other cardiovascular problems.
Research into these issues is being performed with leukemia survivors who were treated during childhood and are now adults.
Researchers Study BMT Effects on Leukemia Survivors
In one study, participants are evaluated with a comprehensive two-day battery of metabolic studies, cardiovascular studies, and questions about diet and exercise habits. This study, along with several others, is carried out in the General Clinical Research Center at the University of Minnesota.
Another area of our research is studying late effects that may occur in vulnerable populations, such as children who undergo BMT when they are very young. Younger children may be more susceptible to the negative effects of high dose chemotherapy or radiation therapy. We are performing evaluations of these individuals, who are now older children, adolescents or young adults. This study will help determine specific problems these children may be at risk for, allow us to initiate earlier interventions and even potentially modify transplant preparation to decrease negative effects.
Largest Ever BMT Survivor Study
One of our largest projects is the Bone Marrow Transplant Survivor Study. It involves a questionnaire that covers late medical effects and quality of life. More than 3,500 transplant survivors will participate. It will provide a tremendous amount of information regarding the medical conditions BMT survivors face. The study will be one of the largest and most comprehensive ever performed. It is being conducted in partnership with investigators from the City of Hope National Medical Center in California.
Collaborative Effort
These efforts in BMT survivorship research involve a team of investigators consisting of pediatric oncologists, endocrinologists, pulmonologists, neuropsychologists, epidemiologists, nurses, and others. This multidisciplinary Cancer Survivor Research Group includes more than 30 members that meet monthly to share ideas, report progress, and develop new studies and avenues for research.
More Funding Needed
During the past two years, we have been awarded six CCRF grants that furthered our research and provided preliminary data. CCRF funding has led to one National Institute of Health grant being funded this year ($250,000 over two years). Two other grants are currently in the review process.
With these efforts, we hope to continue improving the lives of our long-term survivors now and in the future.
