title: The management and outcome of chronic graft-versus-host disease.
abstract: Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is a common complication following allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). It is the leading cause of non-relapse mortality in transplant survivors and has a significant impact upon their functional status and quality of life. Despite significant advances being made in the field of HCT over the past 25 years, there has been little change in the incidence, morbidity and mortality of cGVHD. This is partly because of a lack of understanding about the pathogenesis of the disorder but also because a lack of well validated grading systems and outcome measures has hindered clinical research. Strategies for prophylaxis have largely been unsuccessful and may compromise the graft-versus-leukaemia (GVL) effect. Standard primary treatment remains a combination of corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors. There is no standard therapy for those who fail to respond to corticosteroids. Many agents have been studied but there is an urgent need for systematic research to compare the efficacy of different approaches. Infection is the leading cause of death among patients with cGVHD so antimicrobial prophylaxis is mandatory. A multidisciplinary approach to the care of patients with cGVHD is essential to adequately address its effects on both physical and psychological functioning.
authors.affiliation: Children's Cancer Centre Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Vic., Australia. chris.fraser@rch.org.au
authors.forename: Christopher J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Fraser
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Scott Baker
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D065095:Calcineurin Inhibitors; D006086:Graft vs Host Disease / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D020544:Graft vs Leukemia Effect / Q000276:immunology; D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D011788:Quality of Life; D016879:Salvage Therapy / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D065095:Calcineurin Inhibitors; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents