Post-transplant high-dose cyclophosphamide for the prevention of graft-versus-host disease

Abstract

Cyclophosphamide's lack of hematopoietic stem cell toxicity and its unique effects on the immune system have prompted several investigators to explore its potential for the prevention of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). In haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplants, post-transplant cyclophosphamide together with standard prophylaxis reduces the incidence of GVHD to acceptable rates without the need for T cell depletion. In matched related and unrelated donor settings, cyclophosphamide alone has produced encouraging results. In particular, the low incidence of chronic GVHD is noteworthy. Here, we present a review of the current understanding of the mechanism of action of post-transplant cyclophosphamide and summarize the clinical data on its use for the prevention of GVHD.

Keywords: Cyclophosphamide; GVHD; GVHD prevention.