Graft-versus-Host Disease What to Know, What to Do

by Susan Stewart with Anna Schaal RN, BSN, MS, ARNP
Illustrations by Norm Bendell
© 2024

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a complication that often occurs after a transplant using cells from a donor (an allogeneic transplant).  This booklet will help you understand:

• what GVHD is
• the difference between acute and chronic GVHD
• organs affected by GVHD
• treatment options
• GVHD and infection
• how to find a GVHD clinical trial
• coping with the stress of GVHD
• the role of the GVHD caregiver
• side effects of systemic steroids
• drugs used to prevent and treat GVHD

Managing GVHD requires a close working relationship between you and your healthcare team.  The more you know, the better equipped you will be to take charge of your GVHD.

Many thanks to the following medical advisors and GVHD experts who reviewed and contributed to the content of this book:

• Amin Alousi, MD, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
• Michelle Bishop, PhD, Coping with Cancer & Caregiving, LLC
• Joseph Bubalo, PharmD, Oregon Health & Science University
• Guang-Shing Cheng, MD, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
• Betty Hamilton, MD, Cleveland Clinic
• Stephanie J. Lee, MD, MPH, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
• Zhonghui Katie Luo, MD, PhD, Massachusetts Eye and Ear
• Navneet Majhail, MD, MS, Sarah Cannon Transplant and Cellular Therapy Network
• Alina Markova, MD, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
• Jacqueline W. Mays, DDS, MHSc, PhD, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
• Adrienne Mishkin, MD, MPH, MBE, FAPA, Columbia University Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center
• Steven Z. Pavletic, MD, MS, National Cancer Institute
• Nathaniel S. Treister, DMD, DMSc, Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

and to Incyte whose support helped make this booklet possible.

Click here to order a similar GVHD booklet in Spanish