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One of the most serious side effects of an allogeneic transplant, which involves cells from a donor other than the patient, is called graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). GVHD is a condition caused when the cells of the donor (graft) react against the cells of the patient (host). This happens because a person's immune system is designed to fight what it thinks is foreign, and sometimes the donor's immune system rejects the patient's body. The risk of developing GVHD depends on several factors, with the biggest determinant being the degree to which the donor's and patient's HLA types match
Patients are most likely to show the effects of GVHD in the skin, the gastrointestinal tract (digestive system) and/or the liver. In many cases, our doctors will treat GVHD using immunosuppressive medications, which suppress the immune system and weaken its ability to fight against the patient.
GVHD can be categorized as either acute or chronic. GVHD occurring in the first 100 days after transplant is generally called acute GVHD. GVHD occurring after the first 100 days is typically called chronic GHVD. Both forms are best treated when diagnosed and treated in their early stages.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's GVHD Clinic is a special program within the Jimmy Fund Clinic that addresses the needs of transplant patients with GVHD. At the Clinic, patients meet with multiple medical experts during one outpatient visit. Some, but not all, of the specialists that patients will meet with include dermatologists, oral medicine experts, physical therapists, nutritionists, endocrinologists and/or psychologists.
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