Baseline Functional Performance Predicts Better Long-Term Self-Reported Physical Function After Auto-HSCT

Background/Objectives: Determination of baseline predictors of longer-term quality of life (QOL) after autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Auto-HSCT) may identify patients with the greatest supportive care needs. We hypothesized that baseline older age, weight loss, and worse functional performance would negatively predict QOL over two years post-HSCT. Methods: Physical function, body composition, and QOL were assessed before (PRE) and one month (1MO) after Auto-HSCT in U.S. Veterans (N = 23). QOL and survival were also assessed approximately every six months for two years after Auto-HSCT (5MO, 1YR, 1.5YR, and 2YR). Changes over time were tested via Generalized Estimating Equation regression analyses (p < 0.05 = significant). The impact of PRE variables on QOL at each follow-up was tested via Spearman’s correlations (p < 0.01 = significant). Results: Relative to PRE, depression and anxiety significantly improved (p ≤ 0.039) at 1MO while fatigue and vitality significantly worsened (p ≤ 0.024) 1MO to 5MO post-HSCT. Vitality, depression, and anxiety returned to PRE levels thereafter, while fatigue trajectory varied depending on the survey used. Bone-Marrow-Transplant-related QOL significantly improved at 5MO (p = 0.014) while self-reported function (p ≤ 0.021) and physical activity (p ≤ 0.045) significantly improved 1-2YR post-HSCT. Greater PRE 30 s chair stand test performance consistently correlated with better self-reported function 1-2YR (r = 0.76–0.91, p ≤ 0.007) post-HSCT. Greater PRE 6 min walk test performance consistently correlated with better symptom burden 1-2YR (r = 0.71–0.81, p ≤ 0.01) post-HSCT. Conclusions: In support of our hypothesis, baseline functional performance was associated with QOL during two years of recovery after Auto-HSCT; older age and recent weight loss at baseline only predicted worse baseline QOL. Our data indicates that evaluation of the 30 s chair stand and 6 min walk tests as rehabilitation targets and/or predictors of QOL, fitness, or mortality after Auto-HSCT are warranted. Larger, controlled studies are needed to confirm the findings from this exploratory analysis.