graft-versus-host disease (GvHD)
A common, and sometimes serious, complication of allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Some of the donor’s immune cells try to reject the patient’s own cells as foreign. The skin, liver and gut may be affected. It can occur in either chronic or acute forms and is treatable by immunosuppressive drugs. It is the cause of most of the deaths following transplantation.
Last updated on May 1st, 2024
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