APOLLO: Personalized rehAbilitation PrOgram in aLLOgeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation
The APOLLO study is designed to help people recovering from a specific type of bone marrow transplant used for blood cancers. This treatment is very strong and can lead to serious side effects that last a long time, including physical weakness and emotional distress, sometimes even post-traumatic stress disorder. Many people also live far from hospitals, making it harder to get support. This study wants to understand the experiences of patients by offering them a special computer app and phone support from nurses, exercise, and nutrition experts. By listening to those who know best – the patients themselves – the APOLLO team hopes to find out the best ways and times to offer support to help people through their recovery.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine going through a very tough medical treatment for blood cancer, like a bone marrow transplant. This treatment, called an allogeneic bone marrow transplant, is incredibly powerful and, while life-saving, it can also cause very severe side effects. These side effects don't just happen during the treatment; they can sometimes last for many years afterwards, affecting your body, making you feel weak, and even deeply impacting your emotional well-being.
Living with these long-term effects can be very challenging. For many people, simply getting to and from treatment centres can be difficult, especially if they live far away. This can leave people feeling isolated and struggling to cope on their own. The APOLLO study wants to make this journey easier and better.
This study will involve people who are having an allogeneic bone marrow transplant. They will be given a special computer app and receive support over the phone from a team of experts, including nurses, as well as exercise and nutrition specialists. The main goal of the APOLLO team is to listen and learn from the experiences of these patients. By understanding what types of support are most helpful, and when that support is needed most, the study hopes to create better care plans for future patients. It’s all about finding the best ways to help people recover and live their lives to the fullest after such a tough treatment.
Key takeaways
- The APOLLO study helps people recovering from bone marrow transplants.
- It uses a computer app and phone support from experts.
- The goal is to understand what kind of support is most helpful.
- Participation involves sharing your experiences using the app and phone support.
- It's for adults aged 18 to 70 who are having an allogeneic bone marrow transplant.
Who may be eligible?
To be considered for this study, you must be an adult aged between 18 and 70 years old.
The most important requirement is that you are planning to have or are currently undergoing a specific type of bone marrow transplant, called an allogeneic transplant.
There are no other specific requirements that would prevent you from joining this study if you meet the above criteria. The study is open to both men and women.
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.
- Am I at least 18 years old?
- Am I no older than 70 years old?
- Am I planning to have, or currently having, an allogeneic bone marrow transplant?
- Am I comfortable using a mobile app?
- Am I open to receiving phone support from healthcare professionals?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to join the APOLLO study, you will be given access to a special computer application (an 'app') for your mobile device. Along with using this app, you will also receive support over the phone from a team of experts. This team includes nurses, as well as specialists in exercise and nutrition. They will be there to offer guidance and help with your recovery.
The main part of your participation will involve sharing your experiences while you use the app and receive this telephone support. This will help the study team understand what is most helpful to you. The exact number of phone calls or how long you'll use the app isn't specified, but the study aims to learn about what kind of support is best and when.
This study is about understanding your journey, so there won't be any new medications given as part of this research, nor will there be additional clinic visits purely for the study beyond your usual medical care. The length of your involvement will be determined by the study's plan to learn about long-term recovery experiences.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- University of AlbertaVerified postcodeEdmonton, Canada· Recruiting
Common questions
What is an allogeneic bone marrow transplant?
It's a strong medical procedure for blood cancers where you receive healthy blood-forming cells from a donor to replace your own.
What kind of app will I use?
It's a special app designed to support you during your recovery, likely offering information or ways to track your well-being.
Who are the experts I'll talk to?
You'll have phone support from nurses, and specialists who can advise you on exercise and healthy eating.
Will this study change my regular treatment?
No, this study adds extra support to your normal medical care; it doesn't change your existing treatment plan.
Why is this study important?
It helps us learn how to better support people during a very challenging recovery, making things easier for future patients.
How to find out more
Edith Pituskin, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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