[Treatment of Chronic Graft versus Host Disease -Review]

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Hematology
• Transplantation Medicine

Background:

• Chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) is a leading cause of mortality post-allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT).
• Current standard treatment relies on glucocorticoids, which have significant side effects and limited efficacy, especially in steroid-refractory cases.
• Understanding the aberrant regulation of T and B lymphocytes in cGVHD pathogenesis is crucial for developing better therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current and emerging treatments for cGVHD.
• To focus on therapies targeting specific pathogenic factors and signaling pathways involved in cGVHD.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on cGVHD pathogenesis and treatment.
• Analysis of therapeutic strategies targeting immune dysregulation in allo-HSCT recipients.

Main Results:

• Glucocorticoid therapy for cGVHD has notable limitations, necessitating alternative approaches.
• Research is actively exploring novel treatments that address the underlying immune dysregulation in cGVHD.
• Targeting specific pathogenic factors and signaling pathways shows promise for improved cGVHD management.

Conclusions:

• There is a critical need for more effective and less toxic treatments for cGVHD, particularly steroid-refractory cases.
• Targeted therapies focusing on the dysregulated T and B lymphocyte homeostasis in cGVHD offer a promising avenue for clinical advancement.
• Further research into these targeted strategies is essential to improve outcomes for allo-HSCT patients suffering from cGVHD.