RecruitingObservational

A realist evaluation of nutritional prehabilitation in adults with acute myeloid leukaemia receiving chemotherapy and or stem cell transplantation

This study explores how healthy eating plans, known as 'nutritional prehabilitation', can help adults with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) undergoing chemotherapy or stem cell transplants. Many people with AML are already undernourished, which can make treatment harder. Prehabilitation, which involves personalised nutrition programmes often including extra energy or protein, has helped patients with other cancers. This research aims to understand exactly how these programmes work, for whom they are most effective, and in what situations. By gathering information from patients, carers, and healthcare services, the study hopes to create a 'knowledge model' to design better, more effective nutritional support for AML patients in the future, helping them feel better and improve treatment success.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust

Enrolment target

160

Start

01 Nov 2025

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2026

Nutritional prehabilitation in adults with acute myeloid leukaemia receiving chemotherapy and/or stem cell transplantation

What is this study about?

Dealing with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), a type of blood cancer, is very challenging. The treatments, like chemotherapy or stem cell transplants, are strong and can make you feel very unwell. It's really important to complete all your planned treatment to improve your chances of getting better. However, many people with AML are already not getting enough of the right foods and nutrients when they start treatment, and this often gets worse during treatment. Not having good nutrition can make you feel tired, delay recovery, and make it harder to get through your treatment.

This study is looking at something called 'nutritional prehabilitation'. Think of prehabilitation as getting ready for a big event. In this case, it means focusing on your nutrition *before* and during your cancer treatment. It's about making sure your body is as strong as it can be to handle the treatment. This might involve special eating plans, advice from a dietitian, or even special nutrient drinks to give you extra energy and protein. While we know this approach has helped people with other cancers, we don't fully understand how it works for adults with AML.

The main goal of this study is to understand *how* these nutritional support programmes actually work, *who* they help the most, and *when* they are most effective. By gathering information from patients, their loved ones, and healthcare staff who deliver these programmes, the researchers want to build a clearer picture. This improved understanding will help design better, more personalised nutritional support plans for future AML patients, helping them feel stronger, cope better with treatment, and ultimately improve their chances of a good outcome.

Key takeaways

This study aims to make nutritional care better for AML patients.
It's about understanding how healthy eating plans help people cope with tough cancer treatments.
Researchers will talk to patients, carers, and staff to gather experiences.
The findings will help design personalised nutrition support for the future.
There are no new treatments or medications involved in this study.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 16 or older who have been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) or a related condition called MDS-EB2. You must be receiving chemotherapy or a stem cell transplant, or have plans to receive more treatment after initial chemotherapy. A key part of joining is that you must have received some form of nutritional advice or care before or during your treatment from one of the hospitals involved in the study.

We are also seeking carers – family members or friends – who have looked after someone fitting the patient description above and who also received nutritional support as part of their pre-treatment care. The carer must have provided unpaid care, even if they receive government benefits for caring.

Who cannot join? Unfortunately, if you have a specific type of AML called acute promyelocytic leukaemia, or if you are under 16, you cannot take part. Also, if your treatment only involves immunotherapy or if you are only receiving supportive care (like blood transfusions) without active cancer treatment, you won't be able to join. Lastly, if you have not received any nutritional support before your treatment, you would not be eligible for this study.

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 AML or a similar blood cancer?
Are you receiving chemotherapy and/or a stem cell transplant?
Have you received nutritional advice or care before or during your treatment?
If you're a carer, have you supported someone fitting these descriptions?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the study will involve different steps. The main way you'll contribute is by taking part in an interview. This interview will give you a chance to share your experiences and thoughts on the nutritional advice and care you received. The researchers will also look at information that's already part of your medical records, like your weight, height, and what you’ve been eating. This information helps them understand how your nutrition has changed during treatment. For carers, participation will also involve an interview. The study won't involve any changes to your current medical treatment or care. Your involvement, including the interview, will be a one-off contribution. The overall study will run from April 2024 to December 2026.

Potential risks and benefits

By taking part in this study, you could help improve future nutritional care for adults with AML. Better nutrition can help people feel stronger and cope better with treatment, potentially improving their recovery. There are no known physical risks associated with taking part, as this study focuses on gathering information and experiences rather than new treatments. However, you might find discussing your illness or care emotionally challenging. Remember, your participation is completely voluntary, and you can change your mind and withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust - City Campus
City only
Nottingham, England
King's College Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Brixton, London, England

Common questions

What is 'nutritional prehabilitation'?

It's about getting nutritional advice and support before and during cancer treatment to make your body stronger and better prepared.

Why is nutrition so important for AML patients?

Good nutrition helps you cope with intense treatments, affects your quality of life, and can improve your chances of a successful recovery.

Will this study change my current treatment?

No, this study will not change your medical treatment. It's about understanding existing nutritional care.

Who is funding this research?

The study is funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), a major UK research funder.

How long will I be involved if I participate?

If you're a patient or carer, your involvement will typically be for a single interview and access to your existing medical records, which is a one-off contribution.

How to find out more

Laura J Miller

laura.miller44@nhs.net +44 7968294708 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.