Home blood transfusion program for patients with blood cancers

A Home Transfusion Program for Patients With Advanced Hematologic Malignancies

Not applicable Interventional Dana-Farber Cancer Institute · NCT05509439

This study is testing a home blood transfusion program for patients with advanced blood cancers to see if it’s a good option for those who need transfusions and are in hospice care.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorDana-Farber Cancer Institute Academic / other
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT05509439 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research assesses the feasibility and acceptability of a home blood transfusion program for patients with advanced hematologic malignancies who require transfusions. The study involves a single-arm approach with 10 patients who are hospice eligible and have a limited life expectancy. Participants will complete questionnaires, undergo brief interviews, and receive necessary blood transfusions at home. Caregivers of these patients may also participate in the study, which will last up to six months.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with advanced hematologic malignancies and a prognosis of six months or less.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 years old or those without an adult caregiver living in the same residence will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could provide a more comfortable and convenient option for patients needing blood transfusions at home.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel, similar studies have shown promise in improving patient comfort and care at home.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with advanced hematologic malignancies:

  * Diagnosis of a hematologic malignancy
  * Age ≥ 18 years
  * Receipt of primary oncologic care at DFCI (at least 2 outpatient visits in 12 months prior to enrollment)
  * Has received at least one red blood cell (RBC) or platelet transfusion since blood cancer diagnosis in the clinic or hospital setting without a serious adverse transfusion reaction
  * Physician-estimated prognosis of six months or less
  * Has an adult informal caregiver that lives in the same residence
  * Patient resides within catchment served by Care Dimensions Hospice
* Caregivers:

  * Identified informal caregiver of enrolled patient with hematologic malignancy
  * Age ≥ 18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients

  * Age \< 18 years
  * Does not have an identified adult informal caregiver who lives in the same residence
  * History of previous serious adverse transfusion reaction
  * Presence of decompensated congestive heart failure
* Caregiver

  * Age \< 18 years
  * Our study will exclude members of the following special populations:

    * Adults unable to consent
    * Individuals who are not yet adults (infants, children, teenagers)
    * Pregnant women
    * Prisoners

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 Malignancy
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.