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Current Hematologic Malignancy Reports

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01-02-2018 | Stem Cell Transplantation (R Maziarz, Section Editor)

Biomarkers in Graft-Versus-Host Disease: from Prediction and Diagnosis to Insights into Complex Graft/Host Interactions

Authors: Fiona C. He, Shernan G. Holtan

Published in: Current Hematologic Malignancy Reports | Issue 1/2018

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Acute graft versus host disease (aGVHD) is a frequent cause of treatment-related mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHCT), with few effective treatment options beyond systemic steroids. Discovery of biomarkers for aGVHD may provide insight into the pathophysiology of aGVHD and suggest novel mechanisms for treatment.

Recent Findings

We highlight biomarkers within innate immune activation, T-cell-mediated tissue damage, endothelial damage, dysbiosis, and poor wound healing that can be obtained prior to transplant, in the early transplant period, or at the onset of aGVHD.

Summary

aGVHD biomarkers have predictive and prognostic utility but also suggest novel mechanisms of recipient tissue damage and impaired regenerative capacity. These mechanisms should be further studied and tested in therapeutic clinical trials to improve outcomes post-alloHCT.

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Title: Biomarkers in Graft-Versus-Host Disease: from Prediction and Diagnosis to Insights into Complex Graft/Host Interactions
Authors: Fiona C. He
Shernan G. Holtan
Publication date: 01-02-2018
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Current Hematologic Malignancy Reports / Issue 1/2018
Print ISSN: 1558-8211
Electronic ISSN: 1558-822X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11899-018-0433-2

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