[Maintenance therapy after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation]

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Oncology
• Immunology

Background:

• Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) offers improved survival for hematological malignancy patients, particularly those at high risk of relapse.
• Disease relapse post-allo-HSCT is the primary cause of treatment failure and mortality, despite existing therapies like chemotherapy and donor lymphocyte infusion.
• Strategies to mitigate relapse include pre-emptive treatment guided by measurable residual disease and maintenance therapy for high-risk individuals.

Approach:

• This review synthesizes current research on maintenance therapy following allo-HSCT.
• It focuses on treatment strategies primarily for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
• The review also considers the growing role of novel agents and cellular therapies in the post-transplant setting.

Key Points:

• Maintenance therapy and measurable residual disease monitoring are crucial for reducing relapse after allo-HSCT.
• Novel agents and cellular therapies are increasingly applied post-transplant due to their efficacy and reduced toxicity.
• The focus is on optimizing long-term outcomes for AML and ALL patients undergoing allo-HSCT.

Conclusions:

• Maintenance therapy represents a critical approach to consolidate allo-HSCT outcomes and prevent disease recurrence.
• Future strategies will likely involve integrating novel therapeutic agents and cellular therapies into post-transplant care protocols.
• Continued research is essential to refine maintenance strategies and improve survival rates for patients with hematological malignancies post-transplant.