Infliximab treatment for steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease

Tumor necrosis factor a is one of the principal cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of acute graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD). Infliximab is an antibody to this cytokine.

We performed a retrospective analysis to evaluate the activity of infliximab in 32 patients with severe steroid-refractory acute GVHD. The patients received a median of 3 weekly courses of infliximab. The main organs involved in the patients were skin (n=2) liver (n=1), bowel (n=19), liver and bowel at the same stage (n=10).

Nineteen out 32 patients (59%) responded to infliximab with 6 (19%) complete and 13 (40%) partial responses. Age younger than 35 years, intestinal involvement and a longer time between hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and infliximab administration were factors predicting a favorable response. Infective episodes developed in 23/32 (72%) patients. All the 13 unresponsive patients died of GVHD shortly after infliximab. Thirteen of 19 responsive patients were alive at a median follow-up of 449 days (range 155-842) after infliximab, with no signs of chronic GVHD (n=5), limited (n=5) or extensive involvement (n=3). Six patients who responded subsequently died, one of chronic lung GVHD, the others of vascular complications or infections (2 fungal diseases).

We conclude that infliximab is active in the treatment of severe steroid-refractory acute GVHD, particularly when the intestine is involved. Infections commonly followed its administration. The clinical activity of infliximab and the possibility that it increases the risk of infections are worth investigating in prospective trials.