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

Background: The effectiveness of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in patients with relapsed/refractory lymphoma is accepted by all authors. After ASCT, 5-year overall-survival (OS) rates can reach up to 80%. However, returning to work-life after ASCT and the employment status of these patients are unknown.Objectives: Our aim in this study is to examine the rate of not-return to work in the post-treatment period and the factors that may affect employment status in patients who underwent ASCT with the diagnosis of relapsed/refractory lymphoma.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2020 - June 2020. Patients between the ages of 18-65, who underwent ASCT with the diagnosis of relapsed or refractory lymphoma and who were in remission without recurrence one-year after ASCT were included in the study.Results: Eighty (74.8%) of 107 patients included in the study were male, and the median age was 49.0 (21-63). The number of primary school graduates was 66 (61.7%). Most of the patients were married (n = 90, 84.1%). Before ASCT, 30 (28.0%) patients were in the private sector, 17 (15.9%) were in their own workplace. Median follow-up time was 34.8 months (12.4 - 124.7 months). During this follow-up period 35 (57.3%) of 61 patients did not return to work. Most of these patients had retired (n=29, 47.5%). It was seen that having a higher education level (OR: 0.32 (0.14-1.22) 95% CI, p:0.041) and 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 observed that more than half of our patients did not return to work. Low level of education and sectors other than public-employee pose a risk for not returning to work. It may be possible for patients to return to work with well-planned options such as part-time.