Return to Work of Lymphoma Survivors after Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation: A Single-center Cross-sectional Study

Background: Effectiveness of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in patients with relapsed/refractory lymphoma is accepted by all authors. After ASCT, the 5-year overall survival rates can reach up to 80%. However, returning to work after ASCT and the employment status of these patients are unknown. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the rate of not returning to work in the post-treatment period and the factors that may affect the employment status of patients who underwent ASCT with the diagnosis of relapsed/refractory lymphoma. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from January to June 2020. It was performed on patients within the age ranges of 18-65 who had undergone ASCT with the diagnosis of relapsed or refractory lymphoma and were in remission without recurrence one year after ASCT. Results: In total, 80 (74.8%) out of 107 patients included in the study were male, and the median age was 49.0 (21-63). Majority of participants were primary school graduates (n=66, 61.7%) and married (n=90, 84.1%). Before ASCT, 30 (28.0%) patients worked in the private sector and 17 (15.9%) of them were self-employed. The median follow-up time was 34.8 months (12.4 - 124.7 months). During this follow-up period, 35 (57.3%) out of 61 patients did not return to work. Most of these patients had retired (n=29, 47.5%). It was observed that having a higher education level (OR: 0.32 [0.14-1.22] 95% CI, p:0.041) and being a public employee (OR: 0.30 (0.12-0.97) 95% CI, p:0.033) are independent factors that reduce the risk of not returning to work. Conclusion: It was found that more than half of the patients did not return to work. The low level of education and employment in nonpublic sectors posed the risk of not returning to work. It may be possible for patients to return to work with well-planned options, such as part-time shifts.

Automated summary

More than half of the patients did not return to work after ASCT. Lower education levels and employment in nonpublic sectors increased the risk of not returning to work. Patients may benefit from well-planned options such as part-time shifts to facilitate their return to work.