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Optimistic expectations and survival after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Stephanie J Lee1, Fausto R Loberiza, J Douglas Rizzo
1Department of Medical Oncology, and Center for Outcomes and Policy Research, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA. sjlee@partners.org
Summary
Optimistic expectations may improve early survival for hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients. However, this survival benefit for transplant recipients is not sustained long-term.
Area of Science:
- Medical Oncology
- Psychological Medicine
- Transplantation Science
Background:
- Optimism's role in life-threatening conditions is debated.
- The link between patient expectations and transplant outcomes requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between pre-transplant patient expectations and survival.
- To assess the impact of expectations on quality of life after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study of 313 hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients.
- Assessed patient expectations before transplantation.
- Monitored survival and quality of life post-transplantation.
Main Results:
- Higher pre-transplant expectations correlated with better early mental/emotional functioning.
- Optimistic expectations were linked to improved survival in the first 2 months post-transplant (92% vs. 84%).
- Survival and quality of life were similar between groups by 6 months post-transplant.
Conclusions:
- Optimistic expectations show a potential association with early survival after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
- This association between optimism and survival diminishes by 6 months post-transplant.
- Further research is needed to understand the long-term impact of psychological factors on transplant outcomes.