Long-term sequelae of autologous bone marrow or peripheral stem cell transplantation for lymphoid malignancies

The study was made to evaluate the long-term physical and psychosocial changes after high-dose therapy and autologous bone marrow or peripheral stem transplantation for recurrent lymphoid malignancies. Patients who had undergone high dose therapy and autologous bone marrow or peripheral stem cell transplantation for recurrent lymphoid malignancies at least 1 year previously were contacted by phone interview regarding their status after the transplant. The patients' comments were confirmed by checking medical records when possible. Fifty patients who had undergone transplantation at the University of Nebraska Medical Center at least 1 year before the interview were available for interview and willing to answer questions. After transplant, many patients noticed temporary changes in their appearance, which usually returned to normal within 1 year. Few patients reported remarkable cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, or pulmonary changes after transplantation. However, up to one-third of the patients reported changes in sexual function or desire. The most common infectious problem after transplant was Herpes zoster, which occurred in 25% of the patients. Overall, the patients had a positive outlook after high-dose therapy and transplantation, with most being able to return to work and enjoy a normal life style. Ninety-six percent of the patients stated that they would be willing to undergo high-dose therapy and transplantation again under the same circumstances.