Background: Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (aSCT) is a common treatment for a variety of hematological diseases. Advances in transplantation practices have led to an increasing number of long-term aSCT survivors, but data about health status and late complications are sparse. This analysis focusses on kidney function and urological complications in this population. Methods: This study is a prospective unicentric non-interventional trial. Before starting the study, we obtained the approval of the local ethics review board. Furthermore, the study was registered at WHO Clinical Trial Registry. The study protocol is available via UTN. Results: We were able to include 33 patients with a mean age of 60.5 years (SD 11.1). The median survival time following allogeneic stem cell transplantation was 9.0 years (IQR 8.5–13.0). Five patients (15.2%) had BKPyV viruria with mean 218.3 (SD 674.2) copies/mL. BKPyV viruria was significantly linked to pre-existing chronic kidney failure (p = 0.019), creatine > 100 µmol/L (p < 0.001), and cystatin c > 1.11 mg/L (p = 0.021), respectively. We were not able to identify a single risk factor for BKPyV viruria in univariate or multivariate Cox regression. Conclusions: BKPyV-associated nephropathy might be one reason for impaired kidney function in long-term survivors of aSCT.

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) is a curative therapy for otherwise fatal diseases, however it is associated with a considerable morbidity and mortality. In consequence, it can be assumed that a considerable percentage of patients would benefit from high-quality palliative care (PC) during their course of disease. To assess the standard of PC in German transplant centers, a questionnaire was sent out to all German centers recognized from the EBMT membership list and the annually ZKRD report (n = 52). The response rate was not as high as expected with n = 27 (51,9%), even after reminding by phone calls or by e-mails. In brief, palliative care after allogeneic stem cell transplantation shows a wide variation in Germany. This is true for structures, processes and measures. A national standard for SCT-patients has not been established so far and there are no pre-conditions concerning palliative care after alloSCT for a certification by the EBMT according the JACIE standards. There is a considerable need for a crosslinking of alloSCT with PC. Clear standards should be established by the scientific societies concerning personnel, structure and processes.