At the 24th Congress of the European Hematology Association (EHA), Robert Zeiser from the University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, DE, discusses the recommendations for the treatment of acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and the promotion of the graft-versus-leukemia (GvL) effect.
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a method used commonly in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Chemotherapy is not curative in these patients, so allo-HSCT can provide an immune effect leading to cure. The side effects of allo-HSCT though include infections and GvHD.
GvHD affects mainly the intestine, liver and skin and whilst there are prophylactic treatments available, it is still a risk, especially since GvHD can become steroid-refractory. Robert Zeiser discusses some of the novel approaches tested for GvHD including JAK inhibitors and immunosuppressive approaches.
The conclusion is that this is an exciting field, with those in the field eagerly awaiting the future developments that are coming.