[Chronic graft-versus-host disease]

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Oncology
• Transplantation medicine

Context:

• Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is a significant late complication following allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
• It arises from the dysregulation of donor immune cells, leading to chronic inflammation and fibrosis.
• cGVHD affects various organs, commonly impacting the skin, eyes, oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, genitalia, lungs, muscles, fascia, and joints.

Purpose:

• To provide a clinical review of chronic graft-versus-host disease.
• To highlight the key features, affected organs, and clinical implications of cGVHD.
• To emphasize the necessity of multidisciplinary collaboration in managing this complex condition.

Summary:

• Chronic graft-versus-host disease involves immune dysregulation leading to organ damage.
• The condition presents with chronic inflammation and fibrosis across multiple organ systems.
• Skin, eyes, GI tract, and lungs are frequently affected sites.

Impact:

• Chronic graft-versus-host disease contributes significantly to patient morbidity and mortality.
• Effective treatment necessitates close collaboration among specialist health services.
• This review offers insights for clinicians managing post-transplant complications.