Graft-versus-host disease

James LM Ferrara, John E. Levine, Pavan Reddy, Ernst Holler

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

2037 Scopus citations

Abstract

Haemopoietic-cell transplantation (HCT) is an intensive therapy used to treat high-risk haematological malignant disorders and other life-threatening haematological and genetic diseases. The main complication of HCT is graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), an immunological disorder that affects many organ systems, including the gastrointestinal tract, liver, skin, and lungs. The number of patients with this complication continues to grow, and many return home from transplant centres after HCT requiring continued treatment with immunosuppressive drugs that increases their risks for serious infections and other complications. In this Seminar, we review our understanding of the risk factors and causes of GHVD, the cellular and cytokine networks implicated in its pathophysiology, and current strategies to prevent and treat the disease. We also summarise supportive-care measures that are essential for management of this medically fragile population.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1550-1561
Number of pages12
JournalThe Lancet
Volume373
Issue number9674
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Graft-versus-host disease'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this