# Reducing Persistent Fatigue Following Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

> **NIH NIH K23** · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · 2024 · $176,063

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Candidate. This K23 proposal will position Dr. Nelson to become an independent investigator with expertise in
developing and testing evidence-based interventions to improve patient and treatment-related outcomes for
patients with hematologic conditions. Dr. Nelson demonstrates promise as a clinical researcher (20 publications
and over 50 presentations), and with additional training and mentorship will contribute to national and
international efforts to reduce symptom burden and improve quality of life for patients with blood disorders.
Mentorship. The mentor team is comprised of internationally recognized investigators in behavioral
interventions, cancer care, and patient-reported outcomes (mentor: Joseph Greer, PhD), and transplant care
and supportive care interventions (co-mentor: Areej El-Jawahri, MD). A scientific advisory committee with
complementary expertise will provide guidance on: qualitative data methods (Lara Traeger, PhD); clinical
assessment and management of fatigue (Heather Jim, PhD); and biostatistics (Dustin Rabideau, PhD). Training
Plan. Dr. Nelson will achieve short-term goals through a coordinated research and training plan in (1) HCT
medical issues, (2) intervention development and qualitative data methods, and (3) randomized clinical trial
design, testing, and assessment. In addition to regular mentorship meetings and experiential training through
the research plan, Dr. Nelson will complete advanced coursework and didactic trainings, attend and present at
seminars and national conferences, and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals. Background. Hematopoietic
stem cell transplant (HCT) is a potentially curative treatment for patients with life-threatening blood disorders;
yet, as many as 64% of HCT recipients go on to experience profoundly debilitating fatigue up to six years post-
transplant. Fatigue persists despite routine medical intervention, and empirically-tested interventions have been
largely ineffective at managing post-transplant fatigue. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based
treatment for fatigue, with observed effect sizes for fatigue reduction that are often two to three times greater
than exercise interventions among chronically ill patients. Despite the pressing need, CBT for fatigue reduction
has not been investigated in the HCT setting. Research Strategy. To address this gap, the proposed study
employs a two-stage design to develop and test a videoconference, cognitive-behavioral intervention (Vitalize-
HCT) to reduce fatigue and improve quality of life among persistently fatigued HCT survivors at the
Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center. Stage I includes (1) intervention development with input from
the empirical literature, psychologists and oncology clinicians, and open-ended interviews with HCT recipients
(n=20) and clinicians (n=5), and (2) a pilot study to refine the intervention and evaluate its acceptability (n=6).
Stage II will entail conducting a random...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10908583
- **Project number:** 5K23HL159328-04
- **Recipient organization:** MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** Ashley Nelson
- **Activity code:** K23 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $176,063
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-09-01 → 2026-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10908583

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10908583, Reducing Persistent Fatigue Following Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (5K23HL159328-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10908583. Licensed CC0.

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