Spiritual Therapy for Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This clinical trial evaluates the impact of blessing stem cell products before infusion on spiritual well-being and quality of life for patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Stem cell transplantation represents a transformative medical and personal journey for patients and families. For stem cell transplantation (SCT) recipients, higher levels of spiritual well-being correlate with reduced anxiety and depression, greater hope, and improved emotional stability. Because quality of life often declines after SCT, spiritual support becomes crucial. This trial uses a culturally adaptable, standardized blessing that is personalized to align with each patient's faith tradition or personal belief system that may improve spiritual well-being and quality of life for patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
Who Is on the Research Team?
Srinivas S Devarakonda
Principal Investigator
Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for people with cancer who are scheduled to receive a hematopoietic stem cell transplant. There are no detailed inclusion or exclusion criteria listed, so it appears open to adult patients undergoing this procedure.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Spiritual Therapy
Trial Overview
The study tests whether blessing the stem cells before they are given can improve spiritual well-being and quality of life in patients receiving a stem cell transplant. Patients will also have their health records reviewed and complete surveys.
How Is the Trial Designed?
1
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Patients complete a pre-transplant discussion with the chaplaincy staff to discuss spiritual preferences. Patients choose whether to receive a chaplain-led blessing of their stem cells before infusion. The blessing intervention will consist of a standardized core script delivered immediately prior to stem cell infusion with optional additions that are tailored to the patient's stated spiritual or religious tradition. The spiritual leader performing the blessing will be matched, when possible, to the patient's spiritual tradition. For patients who do not identify with a faith tradition, the chaplain will offer a meaning-centered blessing focused on hope, healing, and gratitude for the transplant process.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
Lead Sponsor
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