In a recent address at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) 2023 Annual Meeting, Dr. Amer Assal, hematologist/oncologist and associate professor of medicine at the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, highlighted significant changes in the field of bone marrow and stem cell transplants. One major advancement discussed by Dr. Assal involves the treatment and prevention of graft vs host disease, a common complication affecting patients’ quality of life and survival after transplant. The increased adoption of post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy), a form of chemotherapy administered after stem cell transplant to modulate T cells and their function, has shown promising results in reducing graft vs host disease.
Another important development in the field is the use of JAK inhibitors to treat graft vs host disease. Although the main study on this treatment option did not yield positive results, there have been discussions at the ASH meeting on the potential use of JAK inhibitors in prevention. Despite the setback, JAK inhibitors have proven to be effective in randomized studies and have received FDA approval for treating steroid-refractory graft vs host disease. These findings highlight the evolving nature of bone marrow and stem cell transplants, emphasizing the importance of continued research and innovation in improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
Overall, the ASH meeting shed light on the latest advancements in bone marrow and stem cell transplants, with a focus on preventing and treating graft vs host disease. The increased adoption of PTCy and the promising potential of JAK inhibitors present new possibilities for enhancing the safety and efficacy of these procedures. As the field continues to evolve, further research and clinical trials will be crucial in refining these approaches and improving patient outcomes.
