title: Topical azathioprine in the combined treatment of chronic oral graft-versus-host disease.
abstract: This paper presents the first report of the use of topical azathioprine in the management of persistent symptomatic chronic oral graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Topical azathioprine suspension was used as an oral rinse and was swallowed, maintaining the previously prescribed systemic dose of azathioprine, and resulted in improvement in a case of oral GVHD that was resistant to other approaches to management. Topical azathioprine may provide additional therapy in the management of immune-mediated oral mucosal disease. Clinical trials appear warranted based upon the results of topical azathioprine use as presented in this case report.
authors.affiliation: British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada.
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Epstein
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nantel
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Sheoltch
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000741:Anemia, Aplastic / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D001379:Azathioprine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects; D002180:Candidiasis, Oral / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006086:Graft vs Host Disease / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology*; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000473:pathology*
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D001379:Azathioprine