Graft-vs-Host Disease: Diagnosis and Clinical Management
Program Code: 417-TC
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
10:30 AM to 12:00 PM (ET)

MODERATOR
Joanne Becker, MD, Roswell Park Cancer Institute

SPEAKERS
Frank J. Strobl, MD, PhD, Therakos, A Johnson and Johnson Company
Minocher Battiwalla, MD, Roswell Park Cancer Institute

DESCRIPTION
Graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The incidence of GVHD ranges from 25 - 75% depending on the source of stem cells and the relatedness of the donor. Although GVHD is understood to be a disease of alloreactivity, its true pathophysiology is only beginning to be understood. Conventional therapeutic approaches for GVHD including corticosteroids and immunosuppressive agents have demonstrated limited efficacy with considerable associated toxicity. Novel agents demonstrating activity include extracorporeal photopheresis and monoclonal antibodies against T cells and pro-inflammatory cytokines. This course will provide an overview of the current thoughts about GVHD and its treatment and an update on the mechanism of action behind photopheresis and its potential use in GVHD.