Graft-Versus-Host Disease Symptom Management-Cures

Division Of Basic Sciences - Nci

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

This multi-center non-interventional psychosocial trial addresses the study aims in two projects: 1) a qualitative project using cognitive interviewing to confirm the comprehension and ease of response to the PCSS, and 2) a quantitative project to evaluate test-retest reliability, construct validity and responsiveness of the PCSS, as well as to explore concordance of symptom ratings by patients and parent proxies. In Project 1, we will conduct at least 20 cognitive interviews of patient and proxy dyads (parent/guardian) within each age group (5-7; 8-12; 13-17) for a sample of 60 pediatric transplant survivors with cGVHD to refine the symptom items and response choices to ensure that they resonate across the developmental spectrum. Cognitive interviews are being used to evaluate the clarity and comprehension of the PCSS items, the ease and accuracy of judgement of the response choices, and any errors in understanding the response choices, and will refine the PCSS in accordance with study data, before proceeding to Project 2. To date, 52 participants have been enrolled on the study and 41 participants have successfully completed Project 1 study procedures (8 5-7-year-olds, 14 8-12 year olds, and 19 13-17-year-olds. In Project 2, we will evaluate test-retest reliability, construct validity, and responsiveness of the PCSS, in association with the NIH Global cGVHD Symptom Severity Score, the Peds QL, clinician ratings of organ specific cGVHD severity scores and cGVHD severity using the NIH criteria, in a sample of 120 pediatric transplant survivors with cGVHD reflecting three age groups (5-7 years; 8-12 years; 13-17 years) of equal numbers. In subjects ages 13-17, we will also compare responses on the PCSS with those from the Lee Scale, to determine the youngest age at which adolescent respondents can comprehend the Lee Scale. We enrolled the first participant from an extramural site on June 24, 2020.