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Journal of Medical Case Reports

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Open Access 01-12-2013 | Case report

Sustained disease-free survival achieved with withdrawal of immunosuppression after rapid relapse of myelodysplastic syndrome following myeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic transplantation: a case report

Authors: Betty K Hamilton, Gregory Vereb, Edward A Copelan

Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports | Issue 1/2013

Abstract

Introduction

Relapse after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with myelodysplasia is a challenging problem with limited treatment options. Attempts to induce a graft-versus-leukemia effect have been used with limited success. In patients with myelodysplasia, sustained complete remissions have generally been limited to patients with long-term remission after transplant and those with low numbers of marrow blasts.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 41-year-old Caucasian woman with relapsed myelodysplastic syndrome and a high blast percentage six months after undergoing an allogeneic transplant who achieved a sustained complete remission after withdrawal of immunosuppression alone.

Conclusion

This case highlights the importance of a reasonable period of observation after withdrawing immunosuppression to induce graft-versus-leukemia, and the potential effectiveness of that approach.

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Title: Sustained disease-free survival achieved with withdrawal of immunosuppression after rapid relapse of myelodysplastic syndrome following myeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic transplantation: a case report
Authors: Betty K Hamilton
Gregory Vereb
Edward A Copelan
Publication date: 01-12-2013
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of Medical Case Reports / Issue 1/2013
Electronic ISSN: 1752-1947
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-1947-7-18

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Sustained disease-free survival achieved with withdrawal of immunosuppression after rapid relapse of myelodysplastic syndrome following myeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic transplantation: a case report

Abstract

Introduction

Case presentation

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Case presentation

Conclusion

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