Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 5, 2026

Bone Marrow Transplantation Platform to Investigate the Role of Dendritic Cells in Graft-versus-Host Disease
08:05

Bone Marrow Transplantation Platform to Investigate the Role of Dendritic Cells in Graft-versus-Host Disease

Published on: March 17, 2020

The use of thalidomide in chronic refractory graft versus host disease

M H van de Poel1, P C Pasman, H C Schouten

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Academic Hospital Maastricht, Postbus 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands.

The Netherlands Journal of Medicine
|July 31, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Thalidomide shows promise for treating chronic graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) refractory to standard treatments like prednisone and cyclosporine A. Early use of thalidomide may improve outcomes in GvHD patients.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Immunology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Chronic graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is a significant complication following allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.
  • Standard treatments, including prednisone and cyclosporine A, have limitations in efficacy for chronic GvHD.
  • Investigating alternative therapeutic options is crucial for managing refractory cases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the therapeutic value of thalidomide in patients with chronic GvHD resistant to prednisone and cyclosporine A.
  • To assess the efficacy and safety profile of thalidomide in this patient population.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective analysis of 12 patients with chronic GvHD refractory to standard therapy was conducted.
  • Thalidomide was administered to these patients, and outcomes were documented since 1991.
  • Case histories were used to illustrate treatment responses and adverse events.

Main Results:

  • Four patients achieved complete remission of chronic GvHD with thalidomide treatment.
  • Five patients experienced a partial response to thalidomide.
  • One patient discontinued thalidomide due to polyneuropathy; other side effects were not serious.

Conclusions:

  • Thalidomide is a viable treatment option for chronic GvHD that is refractory to prednisone and cyclosporine A.
  • Earlier administration of thalidomide in the GvHD course warrants further investigation.
  • The findings suggest thalidomide could be a valuable addition to the GvHD treatment armamentarium.
Abstract

More Related Videos

In Vitro and In Vivo Assessment of T, B and Myeloid Cells Suppressive Activity and Humoral Responses from Transplant Recipients18:48

In Vitro and In Vivo Assessment of T, B and Myeloid Cells Suppressive Activity and Humoral Responses from Transplant Recipients

Published on: August 12, 2017

Induction and Scoring of Graft-Versus-Host Disease in a Xenogeneic Murine Model and Quantification of Human T Cells in Mouse Tissues using Digital PCR06:06

Induction and Scoring of Graft-Versus-Host Disease in a Xenogeneic Murine Model and Quantification of Human T Cells in Mouse Tissues using Digital PCR

Published on: May 23, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Bone Marrow Sampling and Transplants01:22

Bone Marrow Sampling and Transplants

Bone marrow transplant is a potential cure for several diseases, including cancer and specific genetic disorders. Notably, this procedure is applicable for patients suffering from aplastic anemia, certain types of leukemia, severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID), Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, thalassemia, sickle-cell disease, and certain cancers.
The transplant begins with high doses of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, which aim to destroy the...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents01:29

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease...
Cell-mediated Immune Responses01:40

Cell-mediated Immune Responses

Overview
Tissue Transplantation01:24

Tissue Transplantation

Tissue transplantation is a significant medical procedure involving the transfer of cells, tissues, or organs from a donor to a recipient, with the primary aim of restoring lost functions. This procedure is crucial in treating a broad spectrum of diseases, including kidney diseases, liver failure, heart disease, and certain types of cancers.
The Biology of Tissue Transplantation
The biology of tissue transplantation hinges on the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules. These molecules...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF01:24

Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF

Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), a proinflammatory cytokine, contributes significantly to the inflammation seen in Crohn's disease. It exists as soluble TNF and membrane-bound TNF, with actions mediated through TNF receptors (TNFR). TNFR activation leads to the release of proinflammatory cytokines, T-cell activation, collagen production, and leukocyte migration, all contributing to inflammation in Crohn's disease. Anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies, namely infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira),...