Assessing Existential Distress and Quality of Life in Allo-HSCT Patients and their Informal Caregivers: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Oncol Res Treat. 2026 Oct 27:1. doi: 10.1159/ort/aecag012. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a common treatment for malignant haematological diseases but carries significant morbidity and mortality. This study examines existential distress and quality of life (QoL) among patients receiving allo-HSCT and their informal caregivers.

METHODS: A multi-centre cross-sectional survey was conducted among patients and informal caregivers at a single assessment point either before, during, or up to 100 days after allo-HSCT using standardised questionnaires to assess existential and quality of life (QoL) among patients.

RESULTS: There were 61 patients (mean age 55.1 (years) ±13.5) and 31 informal caregivers (mean age 55 (years) ±12.5). Patients reported moderate treatment and cancer related distress (CTXD 24.8±12.0), death-related distress (DADDS-G 14.4±8.3), demoralisation (DS II 7.6±5.4) and QoL (FACT-BMT 88.5±22.7), with mild levels of anxiety (GAD-7 5.4±4) and depression (PHQ-9 7.9±4.6). IC experienced moderate burden (ZBI-7 8.5±5.9) and family-related QoL (FROM-16 13.9±5.9). No significant differences were found across treatment time points, age or disease type. Female patients reported higher levels of depression and anxiety (PHQ-9 and GAD-7) compared with male patients.

CONCLUSION: This study illustrates the complex and multifaceted nature of existential distress and quality of life in allo-HSCT patients and their informal caregivers, underscoring the importance of further research to better understand and address their psychosocial needs including consideration of sex-specific differences in emotional distress.

PMID:42945441 | DOI:10.1159/ort/aecag012