Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD)

Graft versus host disease is one of the most frequent and dangerous complications of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. GVHD of varying severity occurs after 30-50% of transplants from a related donor and after about 80% of transplants from an unrelated donor. The onset of the disease is associated with an immune conflict between the cells of the donor and the recipient. Donor T-lymphocytes attack cells and tissues of the new “host” foreign to them. The most common targets of the attack are the skin, mucous membranes, liver and intestines of the recipient.

By the timing of the onset, there is an acute phase that appears in the first 100 days after transplantation, and a chronic phase that develops at a later date. Severe forms of the acute phase are life-threatening; the chronic phase relatively rarely leads to the death of the patient, but worsens the quality of life and can lead to disability. Experts believe that the likelihood of developing severe forms of the disease depends on many factors, among which incomplete tissue compatibility of the donor and recipient plays the most important role.

Treatment

The Hematology Department of the leading Israeli clinic Tel Aviv Medical Clinic specializes in the treatment of blood cancer. We employ experienced professionals who undergo annual training at leading European and American research centers. We use modern equipment and unique therapy methods. The clinic has established rates at the state level. Thus, you get quality services at an affordable price. If necessary, our staff will help you contact charitable foundations to raise funds for treatment.

For the treatment and prevention of the reaction, glucocorticosteroids and other drugs with an immunosuppressive effect are used: cyclosporine, program, etc. New drugs and methods are being developed. However, treatment is not always effective, and mortality from the acute phase of the third and fourth degrees (severe and super-severe forms) remains high. 

However, the disease has another side: the presence of this reaction means that the donor’s lymphocytes act on the recipient’s body, and therefore on the remaining tumor cells. This effect, which in some cases reduces the risk of disease recurrence, is called graft versus tumor.