# An Expanded Framework to Measure Cognitive Function in Older Adults Undergoing Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

> **NIH NIH R03** · UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER · 2020 · $114,375

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
An unprecedented number of older adults with hematological malignancies are receiving hematopoietic cell
transplantation (HCT). While previously reserved for younger patients, in the past decade a growing number of
older adults have undertaken this intense treatment. Cancer and treatment-related cognitive changes cause
distress, hinder resumption of normal routine and roles, and worsen quality of life (QOL). The short and long-
term effects of HCT on cognitive function and the extent to which these cognitive changes affect life activities
and participation in social roles in older patients are not known. The prevalence and risk of cognitive decline
post-HCT are likely greater for older adults because of a greater number of existing health conditions (e.g.
vascular disease) and impaired physical and psychologic function pre-HCT that can be exacerbated by
treatment and the overall HCT experience. To address this gap, we propose a biopsychosocial cancer and
aging framework to measure cognitive function in older adults undergoing HCT. This study will expand on a
current pilot cohort study and aims to: 1) examine the profile of cognitive domains affected and the trajectory of
cognitive function as measured by neuropsychological testing; 2) identify geriatric assessment factors
associated with pre-HCT cognitive impairment and cognitive decline at 100 days, 6 months and 12 months
post-HCT; and 3) explore patients’ experiences returning to life activities, participation in social roles and QOL
pre-HCT and at 6 months and 12 months post-HCT. This study will enroll 48 additional patients who are: 60
years of age and older, have a hematological malignancy and undergoing an autologous or allogeneic HCT at
the Buffett Cancer Center. Patients will complete neurocognitive testing and geriatric assessments at the
following time points: pre-HCT and follow-up post-HCT at 100 days, and 6 and 12 months. Patients will
participate in semi-structured interviews pre-HCT and on follow up post-HCT at 6 and 12 months. We have
assembled a strong interdisciplinary team with clinical and research expertise in geriatrics, geriatric oncology,
neuropsychology, and qualitative methods to conduct the proposed study. This research will lay the foundation
for a NIH career development award application and for a larger, multi-institutional prospective cohort study to
identify factors associated with greater risk for poor cognitive outcomes and help design supportive care
interventions that consider the interactions between HCT with aging, existing health conditions and
multifactorial geriatric concerns to promote and improve function and QOL for older HCT recipients.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9990642
- **Project number:** 5R03AG060095-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER
- **Principal Investigator:** Thuy Koll
- **Activity code:** R03 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $114,375
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-08-15 → 2022-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9990642

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9990642, An Expanded Framework to Measure Cognitive Function in Older Adults Undergoing Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation (5R03AG060095-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9990642. Licensed CC0.

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