Critical Care Outcomes of Hematologic Oncology Patients
This study aims to understand the long-term health and quality of life of people with blood cancers or who have had a stem cell transplant after they've been treated in intensive care (ICU). More people with these conditions are surviving ICU, but we don't know much about how they fare months or even a year later. Researchers will collect information daily from patient records while they are in ICU. After discharge, patients will be asked to do walking tests and complete questionnaires at 7 days, 6 months, and 12 months to see how their physical abilities and general well-being are. This will help doctors learn who might benefit most from intensive care and how it affects their lives.
At a glance
What is this study about?
More and more people living with blood cancers, like leukaemia or lymphoma, or those who have had a stem cell transplant, are needing to go into intensive care (ICU). While many are now surviving this critical period, doctors don't yet have enough information about how they're doing in the long term – for example, a year after they leave the ICU. This study wants to fill that gap, specifically looking at how people in Canada fare.
The main goal is to get a clearer picture of survivors' lives. Researchers want to understand their chances of survival months after their ICU stay and how well they are able to a year later. This information is really important because it will help doctors make better decisions about who might benefit most from intensive care, tailoring treatment plans to give patients the best chance of a good recovery.
By gathering detailed information on many patients, this study hopes to shed light on what a critical illness means for someone's future health and daily life. This understanding will ultimately help improve the care and support offered to patients with blood cancers or those recovering from stem cell transplants after they've been in ICU.
Key takeaways
- This study focuses on people with blood cancers or who've had stem cell transplants after intensive care.
- It aims to understand long-term survival and quality of life.
- Information will be collected from medical records and during follow-up visits.
- You'll do walking tests and answer questionnaires about your health.
- The study helps doctors improve future care for similar patients.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for people aged 16 or older.
You might be able to join if you have a blood cancer such as acute myeloid leukaemia, chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, lymphoma, or myeloma. You could also be eligible if you've recently had a stem cell transplant, which is a treatment involving healthy blood-forming cells.
However, you won't be able to take part in the full 1-year follow-up part of the study if you have certain existing conditions affecting your brain or mental health. The researchers can explain this in more detail.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 16 years old or older?
- Do you have a blood cancer (like leukaemia or lymphoma)?
- Have you recently had a stem cell transplant?
- Have you been admitted to intensive care (ICU)?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part, the researchers will collect information from your medical notes every day you are in intensive care. This includes details about your health and why you were admitted.
After you leave intensive care, there will be follow-up appointments during your usual cancer clinic visits. These will happen around 7 days, 6 months, and 12 months after leaving ICU. During these visits, you will be asked to complete questionnaires about your quality of life and your ability to do daily activities. You will also do a simple walking test to see how far you can walk in six minutes while your oxygen levels are monitored. The total duration of your participation, including data collection and follow-ups, would be about 12 months after you leave the ICU.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (13)
- Foothills HospitalVerified postcodeCalgary, Canada
- University of AlbertaVerified postcodeEdmonton, Canada
- Vancouver General HospitalVerified postcodeVancouver, Canada
- University of ManitobaVerified postcodeWinnipeg, Canada
- Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences CentreVerified postcodeHalifax, Canada
- Juravinski HospitalVerified postcodeHamilton, Canada
- Kingston General HospitalVerified postcodeKingston, Canada
- Ottawa HospitalVerified postcodeOttawa, Canada
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences CentreVerified postcodeToronto, Canada
- Mount Sinai HospitalVerified postcodeToronto, Canada
- University Health NetworkVerified postcodeToronto, Canada
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont HospitalVerified postcodeMontreal, Canada
Common questions
What is a 'blood cancer'?
Blood cancer refers to cancers that affect your blood cells, bone marrow, or lymph nodes. Examples include leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.
What is a 'stem cell transplant'?
A stem cell transplant is a medical procedure that replaces unhealthy blood cells with healthy ones, often used to treat certain blood cancers. It involves using special cells from bone marrow, blood, or umbilical cord blood.
What does 'intensive care (ICU)' mean?
The intensive care unit (ICU) is a special ward in a hospital where seriously ill patients receive close monitoring and life support.
Will this study change my medical treatment?
No, this study is observational, meaning it gathers information. It will not change the medical treatment you receive for your condition.
What is the '6-minute walk test'?
The 6-minute walk test is a simple test where you walk as far as you can in six minutes. It helps doctors understand your fitness and physical ability.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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