Universität zu Köln

Reimer, Alinda ORCID: 0000-0003-1618-8784, Schepers, Carolin ORCID: 0000-0002-8816-8953, Ley, Merle ORCID: 0009-0009-8654-4618, Schoerger, Berenike ORCID: 0000-0002-4209-6659, Pralong, Anne ORCID: 0000-0001-8201-2344, Voltz, Raymond ORCID: 0000-0002-4761-3395, Holtick, Udo ORCID: 0000-0002-5543-0257, Herling, Marco ORCID: 0000-0001-7473-7476, Simon, Steffen T. ORCID: 0000-0002-6884-1813 and Kalhori, Mohammad Reza (2025). Navigating What Is Not Known—Patients’ Experience of the Life Threat Connected to Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation. European Journal of Cancer Care, 2025 (1). pp. 1-9. Wiley. ISSN 0961-5423

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Abstract

Background: Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo‐SCT) represents a firmly established therapeutic option for patients facing (non‐)malignant haematological diseases. Despite its curative potential, however, this treatment is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality rates as well as a decreased quality of life. Given this context, a scientific void needs to be addressed: How do patients deal with the existential situation of being exposed to a life threat despite the curative potential of their treatment? This study aims to explore the patients’ experiences considering their life threat in the context of the allo‐SCT. Methods: Qualitative semistructured, in‐depth interviews were conducted with patients treated by allo‐SCT over the course of transplantation (before, during or after hospitalization). Interview data were interpreted using category‐based qualitative content analysis. Results: Seventeen interviews were conducted. Results revealed a strong focus on hope and avoidance of dealing with the life threat. At the same time, challenges due to the lack of alternative treatments and the uncertain course were highlighted. The data revealed that patients wished to receive support by healthcare professionals, their carers and their social environment in general. Beyond that, patients desired to obtain honest information within an open discussion about a realistic prognosis and risk of treatment and course of disease. Conclusion: The findings emphasize an interplay between hope, avoidance and psychological distress in the face of the patients’ life threat. To assist allo‐SCT recipients in navigating their life threat during treatment, it is desirable to establish avenues that provide adequate support. Trial Registration: German Registry of Clinical Trials: DRKS00027290

Item Type:	Article
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID ORCID Put Code Reimer, Alinda UNSPECIFIED https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1618-8784 UNSPECIFIED Schepers, Carolin UNSPECIFIED https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8816-8953 UNSPECIFIED Ley, Merle UNSPECIFIED https://orcid.org/0009-0009-8654-4618 UNSPECIFIED Schoerger, Berenike UNSPECIFIED https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4209-6659 UNSPECIFIED Pralong, Anne UNSPECIFIED https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8201-2344 UNSPECIFIED Voltz, Raymond UNSPECIFIED https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4761-3395 UNSPECIFIED Holtick, Udo UNSPECIFIED https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5543-0257 UNSPECIFIED Herling, Marco UNSPECIFIED https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7473-7476 UNSPECIFIED Simon, Steffen T. UNSPECIFIED https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6884-1813 UNSPECIFIED Kalhori, Mohammad Reza UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED
URN:	urn:nbn:de:hbz:38-791708
Identification Number:	10.1155/ECC/8743444
Journal or Publication Title:	European Journal of Cancer Care
Volume:	2025
Number:	1
Page Range:	pp. 1-9
Date:	11 February 2025
Publisher:	Wiley
ISSN:	0961-5423
Language:	English
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine
Divisions:	Faculty of Medicine > Allgemeinmedizin > Schwerpunkt Allgemeinmedizin am Zentrum für versorgungsforschung Faculty of Medicine > Innere Medizin > Klinik I für Innere Medizin - Hämatologie und Onkologie Faculty of Medicine > Palliativmedizin > Zentrum für Palliativmedizin Faculty of Medicine > Sonstiges > Centrum für integrierte Onkologie (CIO)
Subjects:	Medical sciences Medicine
['eprint_fieldname_oa_funders' not defined]:	Publikationsfonds UzK
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	http://kups.ub.uni-koeln.de/id/eprint/79170