BMT-CARE: Support for caregivers of stem cell transplant patients
Official title: BMT-CARE: Multimodal Psychosocial Intervention for Caregivers of Patients Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11311917 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A caregiver-focused program uses practical strategies to help families and friends manage stress and daily responsibilities while a loved one undergoes stem cell transplantation.
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 | May 9, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $593,170 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA282182-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11311917 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Caregivers of patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation who participate in the care plan and are able to attend sessions.
✕Less likely to help
Caregivers who are unable to participate in counseling sessions or who have needs not addressed by psychosocial support may not benefit.
What this research studies
If you are caring for someone going through a stem cell transplant, this project tests a caregiver-focused, counselor-led program that uses cognitive-behavioral skills to reduce distress. The study will compare BMT-CARE to usual care and look at how easily clinics can adopt the intervention in real-life settings. Researchers will also explore what helps or hinders delivering the program across the transplant period. The work builds on a prior single-center trial showing feasibility and potential benefits for caregiver well-being.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could lessen caregiver stress and improve quality of life during the transplant journey.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary single-center data suggested feasibility and potential benefits for similar caregiver interventions.
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
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Support program for caregivers of patients undergoing stem cell transplantation
This study is testing a supportive program called BMT-CARE to help caregivers of patients getting stem cell transplants by offering them helpful tools and guidance to manage their feelings and challenges during this tough time.
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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.