title: Rabbit antithymocyte globulin (thymoglobulin): 25 years and new frontiers in solid organ transplantation and haematology.
abstract: The more than 25 years of clinical experience with rabbit antithymocyte globulin (rATG), specifically Thymoglobulin, has transformed immunosuppression in solid organ transplantation and haematology. The utility of rATG has evolved from the treatment of allograft rejection and graft-versus-host disease to the prevention of various complications that limit the success of solid organ and stem cell transplantation. Today, rATG is being successfully incorporated into novel therapeutic regimens that seek to reduce overall toxicity and improve long-term outcomes. Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of rATG in recipients of various types of solid organ allografts, recipients of allogeneic stem cell transplants who are conditioned with both conventional and nonconventional regimens, and patients with aplastic anaemia. Over time, clinicians have learnt how to better balance the benefits and risks associated with rATG. Advances in the understanding of the multifaceted mechanism of action will guide research into new therapeutic areas and future applications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, The Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. aogaber@tmhs.org
authors.forename: A Osama
authors.initials: AO
authors.lastname: Gaber
authors.forename: Anthony P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Monaco
authors.forename: James A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Russell
authors.forename: Yvon
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Lebranchu
authors.forename: Mohamad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mohty
mesh_terms: D000741:Anemia, Aplastic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D000818:Animals; D000961:Antilymphocyte Serum / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D006084:Graft Rejection / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006085:Graft Survival / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D006086:Graft vs Host Disease / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006405:Hematology / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016377:Organ Transplantation / Q000639:trends*; D011817:Rabbits
chemical_list: D000961:Antilymphocyte Serum; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents
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