Understanding how social support affects aging in survivors of blood cancer treatment
Official title: Accelerated biological and phenotypic aging in hematopoietic cell transplant survivors: Social support as a protective factor
Funded at Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-10845457 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how having supportive friends and family can affect how quickly people recover and age after treatment for blood cancers, and it's for survivors of hematopoietic cell transplantation who want to understand how their social connections might help them feel better and age more slowly during their first year of recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2020 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $114,262 |
| NIH project number | 5K01AG065485-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10845457 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who have undergone hematopoietic cell transplantation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not undergone hematopoietic cell transplantation or are younger than 21 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how social support influences the aging process in survivors of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for blood cancers. It aims to understand the relationship between social interactions and both biological and phenotypic aging during the first year of recovery. By examining these connections, the study seeks to identify modifiable factors that could help mitigate accelerated aging effects experienced by some survivors. Participants will be involved in assessments that explore their social relationships and health outcomes over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to strategies that enhance social support for HCT survivors, potentially reducing the effects of accelerated aging.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that social support can positively impact health outcomes in various populations, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rentscher, Kelly E — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Rentscher, Kelly E
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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.