Psychological impact of stem cell donation on haplo-identical donors
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploratory Study about the psychological impact of stem cell donation on haplo-identical donors who are donating to a parent or an adult child.
IRAS ID
280806
Contact name
Alejandro Madrigal
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Z6364106/2020/04/125, UCL Data Protection
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
Haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is an life saving and life threatening therapy that provides a chance of cure for conditions that may otherwise be associated with a high rate of mortality. Stem cells may be derived from either unrelated or related donors and in both cases, the success of the transplant depends on the degree of genetic match between the donor and recipient. Historically, stem cells provided by relatives who were only “half matched” yielded poor outcomes. However, due to improved transplant techniques in recent years, “half matched” donors who are relatives have been shown to produce comaparable successful outcomes. This mode of transplantation is therefore being performed more frequently than before.
So far, there have only been very few studies that have looked into the psychological impact of stem cell donation on related donors. These have mostly been in the case of sibling donors or haplo-identical (“half-matched”) donors where the recipient is a child or sibling. There have been no studies done that describe the psychological impact of stem cell donation on related donors where the recipient is either a parent or an adult child. We know from studies done on other related donor cohorts that these donors may have unique psychological experiences and needs that may not be adequately addressed.
This qualitative study will recruit approximately 10-20 patients across three NHS transplant centres. Donors who are pre or post donation will be eligible to participate. Due to low numbers of donors who may be eligible, sampling will be largely convenient. Patients will be asked to describe their experience with specific reference to how it affected their thoughts and feelings at different stages. They may be asked what psychological support was available to them. The study is cross sectional and each participant will be interviewed only once.
REC name
London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/LO/1144
Date of REC Opinion
2 Nov 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion