Video game development to help stem cell transplant survivors

Using Game Mechanics to Improve Outcomes Among Stem Cell Transplant Survivors

Observational M.D. Anderson Cancer Center · NCT01608152

This study is trying out a new video game to see if it can help young people who have survived stem cell transplants for leukemia and lymphoma improve their health and well-being.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages15 Years to 39 Years
SexAll
SponsorM.D. Anderson Cancer Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT01608152 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to develop a video game designed to improve health outcomes for survivors of stem cell transplants, specifically targeting patients with leukemia and lymphoma. The study involves collecting feedback from adolescents and young adults who have undergone allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Participants will either join focus groups to discuss game features or test the game for three weeks and provide feedback on their experience. The ultimate goal is to enhance the game based on user input and evaluate its feasibility and acceptance among the target population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 15-39 who have been diagnosed with leukemia or lymphoma and are first-time allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients.

Not a fit: Patients who do not speak English or have vision problems may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this initiative could lead to improved health behaviors and outcomes for young survivors of stem cell transplants.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of video games in health interventions is a growing field, this specific approach targeting stem cell transplant survivors is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Phase I

The target population for this study will consist of:

1. Individuals ages 15-29
2. Able to read and speak English
3. Diagnosis of leukemia or lymphoma
4. First time allogeneic SCT recipient

Phase II

The target population for this study will consist of:

1. Individuals ages 18-39 (in phase I, we recruited only individuals age 15-29. For phase II, we will recruit young adults, and will expand the eligible age range up to 39 years. This expansion in age eligibility to 39 years is consistent with the National Cancer Institute definition of adolescents and young adults with cancer, and is consistent with the age range of patients seen at MD Anderson in the Adolescent and Young Adult Center.
2. Able to read and speak English
3. Diagnosis of leukemia or lymphoma (including Myelodysplastic Syndrome - MDS) or lymphoma
4. HSCT recipient

Exclusion Criteria:

Phase I

The target population will be excluded if:

1. They do not speak English
2. They have vision problems
3. They have cognitive problems
4. They have psychological difficulties

Phase II

The target population will be excluded if:

1. They do not speak English
2. They have vision problems that would preclude them from viewing a computer screen.
3. They have an intellectual deficiency that would prevent the potential participant from understanding information delivered on the computer platform or as defined by the DSM-V Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders that would prevent them from understanding information delivered on the computer platform.

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas

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 LeukemiaLymphomaGame mechanicsStem cell transplant survivorsHematopoietic stem cell transplantationHSCTInternet-basedInteractive and personalized intervention
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.