The clinical landscape of chronic graft-versus-host disease management in 2021

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is an important systemic complication of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation with heterogeneous, multi-organ involvement that can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Despite significant advances in understanding the complex pathophysiology driving the disease, curative treatment options remain suboptimal. The past decade, however, has seen much growth in collaborative research efforts and standardization of criteria for clinical trials that have led to discovery of several new second-line therapies in cGVHD. The key to successful cGVHD control and management includes a comprehensive and sustained multidisciplinary effort with emphasis on ancillary and supportive care for these patients. The focus of this review is to summarize the new developments in systemic, organ-specific, and topical treatments in the management of cGVHD that emerged since the 2014 NIH consensus conference.

Automated summary

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is a systemic complication of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation that can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Despite limited curative treatment options, recent collaborative research efforts have led to discovery of new second-line therapies. Comprehensive and sustained multidisciplinary efforts are crucial for successful management of cGVHD.