Chronic graft-vs-host disease: Current understanding of disease and treatment landscape.

Abstract

Chronic graft-vs-host disease (cGVHD) is a common complication and a major cause of morbidity and mortality following allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. It is primarily characterized by chronic inflammation and fibrosis involving multiple organs. Firstline treatment with steroids with or without calcineurin inhibitors for cGVHD is well established; however, a significant number of patients develop steroid-refractory/resistant cGVHD (SR-cGVHD). Subsequent treatment for SR-cGVHD varies widely, but recent advances include the approval of several medications specifically for this indication, offering new opportunities to improve the prognosis in this challenging-to-treat condition. Ongoing research in preemptive and treatment strategies, such as combinations with newer and better-tolerated agents, may inform future management of SR-cGVHD. DISCLOSURES: This supplement was written by Bridget Flavin, PharmD, Founder, Connected Content, Ltd. Connected Content, Ltd. received payment from AMC Media Group for the preparation of this manuscript. Flavin is also an adjunct associate professor at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy. This supplement was funded by Kadmon Pharmaceuticals, LLC.