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Understanding Graft Versus Host Disease and Its Treatments
Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD) is a complex condition that can occur following an allogeneic stem cell or bone marrow transplant. This occurs when the donated immune cells, or graft, recognize the recipient's body tissues as foreign and mount an immune response against them. GVHD is categorized into acute and chronic forms, with each type affecting the body differently and requiring tailored treatment strategies. Acute GVHD typically develops within the first 100 days post-transplant, primarily affecting the skin, liver, and gastrointestinal tract. Chronic GVHD can appear later and may involve multiple organs, often resembling autoimmune disorders.
The first line of defense against GVHD involves prevention through careful donor selection and the use of immunosuppressive medications. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) matching between donor and recipient significantly reduces the risk of GVHD. Prophylactic immunosuppressive drugs, such as calcineurin inhibitors (e.g., cyclosporine or tacrolimus), are…