Graft-versus-leukemia following bone marrow transplantation.
Considerable data in animals suggest an anti-leukemia reaction associated with transplantation of allogeneic bone marrow cells. In some instances, this graft-versus leukemia (GVL) reaction may be distinct from graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD). Data in humans also support the concept of a GVL effect associated with bone marrow transplantation. These observations include an increased risk of leukemia relapse in identical twin transplants and in recipients of T cell-depleted allogeneic transplants, and a decreased risk-of leukemia relapse in individuals who develop acute or chronic GVHD. These findings are among the most convincing evidence that the immune system plays a role against cancer in man.
Butturini
A
A
Department of Pediatrics, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles.
Bortin
M M
MM
Gale
R P
RP
D000818:Animals; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation; D006086:Graft vs Host Disease / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007938:Leukemia / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D014430:Twins, Monozygotic