Post-BMT late effects nurse-led clinic

This leaflet is for patients who have undergone an autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplant under the care of the Blood and Marrow Transplant (BMT) team at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CUH).

CUH runs a BMT nurse-led late effects clinic for:

• those patients who are more than two years post-transplant and who the consultant is satisfied that their medical condition is stable
• autograft patients whose local hospital is CUH
• allograft patients with no active haematological disease and no complex transplant related complications requiring regular medical monitoring

What are late effects?

Patients who have undergone chemotherapy and radiotherapy-based treatments are a high-risk group of developing long term complications of their treatment known as ‘late effects’. These complications may include issues with your physical, mental and social wellbeing.

Late effects clinics are recommended as a means to provide continued care beyond cancer treatment, helping to identify, treat, prevent and educate patients about potential complications post therapy thus optimising patients’ health and overall survivorship.

How does the clinic work?

You will be asked to attend the oncology outpatients one hour before the time of your appointment. You will have blood tests, observations and your weight recorded. While you are waiting you will also be given the opportunity to complete the electronic holistic needs assessment (e-HNA). This will help identify your current needs enabling the BMT nurse practitioner to draw up a personalised care plan and assist in referring you to relevant supporting services if necessary.

You will be allocated a 45-minute appointment with a BMT nurse practitioner to discuss your needs and develop your care plan. The BMT nurse practitioner works closely with other professionals who are involved in your care and together they can ensure you receive the best advice and treatment.

The overall aim is to assist BMT survivors to stay well and lead a fulfilling life post-transplant.

What tests and screening will I be offered?

This will depend on your disease and treatment prior to and including BMT. It is recommended at a minimum the following are monitored; respiratory, cardiovascular, renal, musculoskeletal, reproductive and endocrine functions plus psychological health and wellbeing.

There will be some standard tests similar to those you had prior to BMT which include blood tests and organ function reassessment. There may also be additional tests required according to the outcomes of your e-HNA and issues highlighted in the discussions from the clinic meeting.

If additional tests are required, your GP will be notified and advised to refer you to your local services thus preventing additional trips to Cambridge.

How will I be informed of my results?

All results will be reviewed and signed off by a BMT physician. A letter will be sent to you confirming your results, a copy of which will be forwarded to your GP.

Any abnormal findings will be managed and if necessary, further investigated according to the advice of the BMT physician. In this instance we will aim to contact you directly by phone to discuss concerns.

How can I help?

It is useful to bring a list of current medications you are taking with you to clinic, including dosage and frequency taken.

You may find it beneficial to consider prior to the appointment and noting down any health-related issues or concerns you have had since your transplant.

Contacts/further information

BMT nurse practitioners’ office: 01223 217224
BMT coordinator’s office: 01223 596239

Further information and support services

Macmillan CUH Cancer Information and Support Service

Based in a hub in Oncology Outpatients, Macmillan information support specialists and volunteers are available to support you with any non-clinical concerns identified following your HNA or in consultation with your clinical nurse specialist.

Maggie’s Centre (opens in a new tab)

Addenbrooke’s Hospital, 21 Milton House, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge, CB2 OAD
01223 249220
Monday to Friday, 09:00 (9am) to 17:00 (5pm)

Maggie's offers emotional, practical and social support to people with cancer and their families and friends. All services are free. You don’t need an appointment or a referral – you can just pop in for a cup of tea. You can talk to one of the cancer support specialists for more information about your individual circumstances, or join in any part of the programme, whether it’s practical advice on benefits or nutrition, a support group or a relaxation course, or simply meeting people around the kitchen table who are going through the same things as you.

Macmillan Cancer Support (opens in a new tab)

Support line: 0808 808 00 00

Macmillan’s inclusion team helps understand how cancer care and support can vary for different groups of people. They produce independent, expert, up-to-date information to meet.

Bloodwise (opens in a new tab)

39-40 Eagle Street, London, WC1R 4TH
0808 2080 888
Email Bloodwise

Bloodwise supports research into the causes, treatment and cure of leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma, and provides information and booklets on the diseases and their treatments and the information needs of people affected by cancer. The service is free and confidential and is open Monday to Friday 09:00 (9am) to 20:00 (8pm).

Anthony Nolan (opens in a new tab)

2 Heathgate Place, 75-87 Agincourt Road, London NW3 2NU
0303 303 0303

Anthony Nolan runs the UK’s largest register of fully tissue-typed volunteer donors, and provides information on recovery post-BMT, including late effects.

Privacy and dignity

Same-sex bays and bathrooms are offered in all wards except critical care and theatre recovery areas where the use of high-tech equipment and/or specialist one-to-one care is required.