1 year after transplant or cell therapy, patients’ social lives return

People’s social functioning dropped for a few months after certain blood cancer treatments. But a year later, their social functioning returned to where they were prior to treatment, a recent study found. People also have a slightly higher risk of heart problems and some cancers after transplant. 

Social functioning is the ability to interact with friends and family, and the community. The study measured how 2 treatments affect people’s relationships: 

Both of these treatments can cause social isolation. For months before and after treatment, people are more at risk for serious infections and must avoid school, work, social gatherings and crowded places. 

Researchers wanted to know if people’s social functioning goes back to normal after treatment. They gave surveys to about 450 adults who received BMT or CAR-T during 2020-2022. Researchers compared these people to average adults in the United States. 

As expected, people’s social functioning was at its lowest in the first 3 months after BMT or CAR-T. But 1 year later, their social functioning was as good as average adults. 

There were some small differences. People who were healthier before treatment improved their social functioning more than those who started out sicker. 

Everyone is different. These results can’t predict your social functioning after treatment. Ask your doctor about the possible harms and benefits of treatments for you. 

Also, ask your doctor about services that help social functioning, such as counseling and support groups. 

• Group support and the Peer Connect program at NMDP.org
• More study summaries at CIBMTR.org