Cognitive-behavioral therapy for fatigue in patients after stem cell transplant

Reducing Persistent Fatigue Following Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Not applicable Interventional Massachusetts General Hospital · NCT05715047

This study is testing whether cognitive-behavioral therapy can help people who have had a stem cell transplant feel less tired and improve their quality of life.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment66 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMassachusetts General Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT05715047 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention designed to manage fatigue and enhance the quality of life in patients who have undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT). Initially, an open pilot with six participants will be conducted to assess the intervention's practicality. Following this, a randomized controlled trial will compare the CBT intervention against usual care, involving Zoom sessions and questionnaires to gather data on patient outcomes. The study is expected to enroll approximately 66 participants over a duration of three years.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have undergone a hematopoietic stem cell transplant more than six months prior and report moderate to severe fatigue.

Not a fit: Patients with active cognitive impairment, uncontrolled psychiatric illness, or those already receiving cognitive-behavioral therapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce fatigue and improve the quality of life for patients recovering from hematopoietic stem cell transplant.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using cognitive-behavioral therapy for managing fatigue in cancer patients, indicating a potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria

* adult patients (≥ 18 years)
* have the ability to speak and read English
* have undergone autologous or allogeneic transplant \> 6 months prior to enrollment
* no evidence of disease relapse requiring therapy
* no new other malignancy requiring therapy after transplant
* report moderate to severe fatigue in the past week (FSI average severity item rating ≥ 4 of 0-10)
* are currently receiving their care at the MGH Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinic

Exclusion Criteria

* Patients with active cognitive impairment or uncontrolled psychiatric illness such as schizophrenia that the treating clinician believes prohibits informed consent or participation in the intervention
* Patients already receiving CBT care
* Patients living with untreated sleep apnea
* Patients with hypoxemia requiring oxygen supplementation

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Hematologic CancerHematologic MalignancyHematopoietic StemHCTCognitive Behavioral TherapyCBT
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.