Related Experiment Videos
Graft-vs-leukemia following bone marrow transplantation: a model of immunotherapy in man
A Butturini1, M M Bortin, R C Seeger
1Department of Pediatrics, UCLA School of Medicine.
Considerable data in animals suggest an antileukemia reaction associated with transplantation of allogeneic bone marrow cells. In some instances, this graft-vs-leukemia (GVL) reaction may be distinct from graft-vs-host-disease (GVHD). Data in humans also support the concept of a GVL effect associated with bone marrow transplantation. These observations include an increased risk of leukemia relapse in identical twin transplants and in recipients of T-cell depleted allogeneic transplants, and a decreased risk of leukemia relapse in individuals who develop acute or chronic GVHD. Although indirect, these findings are among the most convincing evidence that the immune system plays a role against cancer in man. It may be possible to exploit this effect in other settings and with other cancers.
Considerable data in animals suggest an antileukemia reaction associated with transplantation of allogeneic bone marrow cells. In some instances, this graft-vs-leukemia (GVL) reaction may be distinct from graft-vs-host-disease (GVHD). Data in humans also support the concept of a GVL effect associated with bone marrow transplantation. These observations include an increased risk of leukemia relapse in identical twin transplants and in recipients of T-cell depleted allogeneic transplants, and a decreased risk of leukemia relapse in individuals who develop acute or chronic GVHD. Although indirect, these findings are among the most convincing evidence that the immune system plays a role against cancer in man. It may be possible to exploit this effect in other settings and with other cancers.