A digital app to improve sexual health for stem cell transplant survivors
Official title: Title: Multi-Site Randomized Controlled Trial of a Novel Digital Application (SHIFT) to Improve Outcomes for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Survivors
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10939690 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new app called SHIFT to help people who have had stem cell transplants improve their sexual health and overall well-being, making it easier for them to manage common issues like sexual dysfunction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 17, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $602,526 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA295109-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10939690 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and are experiencing sexual health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or those without sexual health concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effectiveness of a new digital application called SHIFT, designed to enhance sexual health, quality of life, and psychological well-being in survivors of hematopoietic stem cell transplants. The app addresses the common issue of sexual dysfunction, which affects a significant number of these survivors, by providing tailored support through five interactive modules. By utilizing a self-administered format, SHIFT aims to overcome barriers related to the limited availability of specialized clinicians in transplant centers. The study will assess how well this app can help patients manage their sexual health concerns and improve their overall quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the sexual health and quality of life for hematopoietic stem cell transplant survivors.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using digital applications for health interventions, suggesting that this approach could be effective for addressing sexual health issues in transplant survivors.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: El-Jawahri, Areej — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: El-Jawahri, Areej
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Step Up: A blended coaching program to help stem cell transplant patients be active
A walking-and-skills program using coaching and a mobile app helps stem cell transplant patients cope with symptoms so they can be more active.
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SHIFT: A digital tool to help stem cell transplant survivors feel better sexually and emotionally
A new digital app called SHIFT will be tested to help hematopoietic stem cell transplant survivors improve sexual health, quality of life, and psychological well-being.
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Hybrid app plus coaching to help stem cell transplant patients manage symptoms and stay active
This program uses a brief in-person visit, video coaching, and a smartphone app to help people who had a hematopoietic stem cell transplant manage fatigue, pain, and distress so they can safely increase daily activity.
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SHIFT: A Digital App for Stem Cell Transplant Survivors
This project is testing a new digital app called SHIFT to help people who have had a stem cell transplant improve their sexual health, quality of life, and overall well-being.
-
Improving symptom management and physical activity for stem cell transplant patients
This study is testing a new program called Step Up to help people who have had a stem cell transplant feel better and get moving again by combining in-person support and mobile health tools, so they can better manage symptoms like fatigue and pain.
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Cognitive behavioral therapy and trazodone for insomnia phenotypes with high blood pressure
A clinical study tests how CBT-I and the sleep drug trazodone work for adults with insomnia and high blood pressure, focusing on a specific sleep duration pattern.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.