Classification systems for chronic graft-versus-host disease

Meta-Analysis of Genome-Wide Association and Gene Expression Studies Implicates Donor T Cell Function and Cytokine Pathways in Acute GvHD

Graft-vs.-host disease (GvHD) is a major complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation that causes mortality and severe morbidity. Genetic disparities in human leukocyte antigens between the recipient and donor are known contributors to the risk of the disease. However, the overall impact of genetic component is complex, and consistent findings across different populations and studies remain sparse. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the genes responsible for GvHD, we combined genome-wide association studies (GWAS) from two distinct populations with previously published gene expression studies on GvHD in a single gene-level meta-analysis. We hypothesized that genes driving GvHD should be associated in both data modalities and therefore could be detected more readily through their combined effects in the integrated analysis rather than in separate analyses. The meta-analysis yielded a total of 51 acute GvHD-associated genes (false detection rate [FDR] <0.1). In support of our hypothesis, this number was significantly higher than that in a permutation meta-analysis involving the whole data set, as well as in separate meta-analyses on the GWAS and gene expression data sets. The genes indicated by the meta-analysis were significantly enriched in 277 Gene Ontology terms (FDR < 0.05), such as T cell function and cytokine-mediated signaling pathways, and the results highlighted several established immune mediators, such as interleukins and JAK-STAT signaling, and presented TRAF6 and TERT as potential effector candidates. Altogether, the results support the chosen methodological approach, implicate a role of gene-level variation in donors' key immunological regulators predisposing patients to acute GVHD, and present potential targets for therapeutic intervention.

Application of latent class analysis in diagnosis of graft-versus-host disease by serum markers after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in 25–70% of patients. The gold standard (GS) test to confirm the diagnosis of GVHD has some limitations. The current study was conducted to evaluate the accuracy of three serum markers in diagnosing GVHD without a GS. 94 patients who were hospitalized for allogeneic transplantation were studied. Mean levels from day of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) to discharge of serum uric acid (UA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatinine (Cr) were measured for all participants. We adapted a Bayesian latent class analysis to modelling the results of each marker and combination of markers. The Sensitivity, Specificity, and area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for LDH were as 51%, 81%, and 0.70, respectively. For UA, the Sensitivity, Specificity, and AUC were 54%, 75%, and 0.71, respectively. The estimated Sensitivity, Specificity, and AUC of Cr were 72%, 94%, and 0.86, respectively. Adjusting for covariates, the combined Sensitivity, Specificity, and AUC of the optimal marker combination were 76%, 83%, and 0.94, respectively. To conclude, our findings suggested that Cr had the strongest diagnosis power for GVHD. Moreover, the classification accuracy of the three-marker combination outperforms the other combinations.

Functional dosing of mesenchymal stromal cell-derived extracellular vesicles for the prevention of acute graft-versus-host-disease

Graft-vs-host-disease (GvHD) is currently the main complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Mortality and morbidity rates are particularly high, especially in steroid-refractory acute GvHD (aGvHD). Immune regulatory human bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (hMB-MSCs) represent a therapeutic approach to address this issue. Unfortunately, their effect is hardly predictable in vivo due to several variables, that is, MSC tissue origin, concentration, dose number, administration route and timing, and inflammatory status of the recipient. Interestingly, human bone marrow MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (hBM-MSC-EVs) display many of the hBM-MSC immunoregulatory properties due to their content in paracrine factors that greatly varies according to the collection method. In this study, we focused on the immunological characterization of hBM-MSC-EVs on their capability of inducing regulatory T-cells (T-regs) both in vitro and in a xenograft mouse model of aGvHD. We correlated these data with the aGvHD incidence and degree following hBM-MSC-EV intravenous administration. Thus, we first quantified the EV immunomodulation in vitro in terms of EV immunomodulatory functional unit (EV-IFU), that is, the lowest concentration of EVs leading in vitro to at least threefold increase of the T-regs compared with controls. Second, we established the EV therapeutic dose in vivo (EV-TD) corresponding to 10-fold the in vitro EV-IFU. According to this approach, we observed a significant improvement of both mouse survival and control of aGvHD onset and progression. This study confirms that EVs may represent an alternative to whole MSCs for aGvHD prevention, once the effective dose is reproducibly identified according to EV-IFU and EV-TD definition.

Effect of the Thiotepa Dose in the TBF Conditioning Regimen in Patients Undergoing Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation for Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Complete Remission: A Report From the EBMT Acute Leukemia Working Party

BACKGROUND

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation is a potentially curative therapy for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) after achieving complete remission (CR). The aim of this study is to evaluate the optimal dose of thiotepa, administered as part of the thiotepa-busulfan-fludarabine (TBF) conditioning regimen for allogeneic stem cell transplantation in adults with AML in CR.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a retrospective multicenter analysis, we identified 240 patients allotransplanted from matched related or unrelated donors or T replete haplo-identical donors. We compared the transplantation outcomes of patients who received 5 mg/kg thiotepa and 2 days of intravenous busulfan at 6.4 mg/kg (T1B2F) versus those who received 10 mg/kg thiotepa with 2 days of intravenous busulfan at 6.4 mg/kg (T2B2F). The median follow-up was 20 months.

RESULTS

On univariate analysis, the incidence of acute graft versus host disease (GVHD) grade II to IV was significantly lower in the T1B2F group (19%) versus 32% in the T2B2F group (P = .029). This result was confirmed on multivariate analysis; acute GVHD was higher for patients receiving T2B2F (hazard ratio, 2.22; P = .024). No significant change in non-relapse mortality, progression-free survival, or overall survival was observed between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

T2B2F is associated with a higher incidence of acute GVHD compared with T1B2F. These results suggest that a lower dose-intensity of thiotepa and busulfan in the TBF regimen may yield better results in patients with AML in CR.

[Effect of consolidation before allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for non-favorable acute myeloid leukemia patients with first complete remisson and negative minimal residual disease]

Objective: To probe the prognostic value of consolidation chemotherapy in non-favorable acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients who were candidates for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) with first complete remission (CR(1)) and negative minimal residual disease (MRD(-)) . Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 155 patients with non-favorable AML who received allo-HSCT in CR(1)/MRD(-) from January 2010 to March 2019. The survival data were compared between patients who received and those not received pre-transplant consolidation chemotherapy. Results: A total of 102 patients received pre-transplant consolidation chemotherapy (consolidation group) , and 53 cases directly proceeded to allo-HSCT when CR(1)/MRD(-) was achieved (nonconsolidation group) . The median ages were 39 (18-56) years old and 38 (19-67) years old, respectively. Five-year post-transplant overall survival [ (59.3±7.5) % vs (62.2±6.9) %, P=0.919] and relapse-free survival [ (53.0±8.9) % vs (61.6±7.0) %, P=0.936] were not significantly different between the two groups (consolidation vs nonconsolidation) . There was a weak relationship between consolidation therapy and cumulative incidence of relapse [consolidation: (21.9±5.4) % vs nonconsolidation: (18.3±6.0) %, P=0.942], as well as non-relapse mortality [consolidation: (22.4±4.3) % vs nonconsolidation: (28.4±6.5) %,P=0.464]. Multivariate analysis indicated that pre-transplant consolidation and the consolidation courses (< 2 vs ≥2 courses) did not have an impact on allo-HSCT outcomes. Conclusion: Allo-HSCT for candidate patients without further consolidation when CR(1)/MRD(-) was attained was feasible.

Reliability and Validity of the Modified 7-Day Lee Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease Symptom Scale

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) adversely affects patient quality of life, functional status, and survival after allogenic hematopoietic cell transplantation. The Lee Symptom Scale is a 30-item scale developed to measure the symptoms of cGVHD. Although the original 30-item scale uses a 1-month recall period, we tested the reliability and validity of a 28-item scale (deleting 2 items based on supportive care needs rather than symptoms) with a 7-day recall period, a format that is more appropriate for use in clinical trials. Results show the modified 7-day scale is reliable and valid in the modern era and may be used to assess the symptom burden of cGVHD in clinical trials. Using the distribution method, a 5- to 6-point difference (half a standard deviation) is considered clinically meaningful.

Characteristics of graft-versus-host disease occurring after alemtuzumab-containing allogeneic stem cell transplants: incidence, organ involvement, risk factors and survival

T-cell depletion with alemtuzumab represents an effective form of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT); however, little is known regarding the impact of in vivo alemtuzumab on either the incidence or clinical characteristics of acute and chronic GVHD. We therefore studied 201 consecutive adult patients who received an alemtuzumab-based, reduced-intensity conditioned (RIC) allograft. With a median follow-up of 24 months, the cumulative incidence of classic acute and late acute (persistent, recurrent and late onset) GVHD grades II-IV (grades III-IV) was 34% (13%) and 20% (8%) respectively; the cumulative incidence of classic chronic GVHD and overlap syndrome were 4% and 7% respectively. A previous diagnosis of classic acute GVHD is a risk factor for chronic GVHD (hazard ratio 10·91, 95% confidence interval 2·35-50·63, P = 0·0023) while late onset acute GVHD is not a risk factor for later development of chronic GVHD. Unrelated donor transplant is a risk factor for the development of classic acute GVHD but not for late onset or chronic GVHD. In conclusion, this study describes a distinctive pattern of GVHD following alemtuzumab-RIC allografts, identifies the risk factors for GVHD development and provides prognostic information of patients with GVHD.

Guidelines on the Use of Therapeutic Apheresis in Clinical Practice - Evidence-Based Approach from the Writing Committee of the American Society for Apheresis: The Eighth Special Issue

The American Society for Apheresis (ASFA) Journal of Clinical Apheresis (JCA) Special Issue Writing Committee is charged with reviewing, updating and categorizing indications for the evidence-based use of therapeutic apheresis (TA) in human disease. Since the 2007 JCA Special Issue (Fourth Edition), the committee has incorporated systematic review and evidence-based approaches in the grading and categorization of apheresis indications. This Eighth Edition of the JCA Special Issue continues to maintain this methodology and rigor in order to make recommendations on the use of apheresis in a wide variety of diseases/conditions. The JCA Eighth Edition, like its predecessor, continues to apply the category and grading system definitions in fact sheets. The general layout and concept of a fact sheet that was introduced in the Fourth Edition, has largely been maintained in this edition. Each fact sheet succinctly summarizes the evidence for the use of TA in a specific disease entity or medical condition. The Eighth Edition comprises 84 fact sheets for relevant diseases and medical conditions, with 157 graded and categorized indications and/or TA modalities. The Eighth Edition of the JCA Special Issue seeks to continue to serve as a key resource that guides the utilization of TA in the treatment of human disease.

Organ Changes Associated with Provider-Assessed Responses in Patients with Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease

Assessments of overall improvement and worsening of chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) manifestations by the algorithm recommended by National Institutes of Health (NIH) response criteria do not align closely with those reported by providers, particularly when patients have mixed responses with improvement in some manifestations but worsening in others. To elucidate the changes that influence provider assessment of response, we used logistic regression to generate an overall change index based on specific manifestations of chronic GVHD measured at baseline and 6 months later. We hypothesized that this overall change index would correlate strongly with overall improvement as determined by providers. The analysis included 488 patients from 2 prospective observational studies who were randomly assigned in a 3:2 ratio to discovery and replication cohorts. Changes in bilirubin and scores of the lower gastrointestinal tract, mouth, joint/fascia, lung, and skin were correlated with provider-assessed improvement, suggesting that the main NIH response measures capture relevant information. Conversely, changes in the eye, esophagus, and upper gastrointestinal tract did not correlate with provider-assessed response, suggesting that these scales could be modified or dropped from the NIH response assessment. The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve in the replication cohort was 0.72, indicating that the scoring algorithm for overall change based on NIH response measures is not well calibrated with provider-assessed response.

The Biological and Clinical Relevance of G Protein-Coupled Receptors to the Outcomes of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Systematized Review

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains the only curative treatment for several malignant and non-malignant diseases at the cost of serious treatment-related toxicities (TRTs). Recent research on extending the benefits of HSCT to more patients and indications has focused on limiting TRTs and improving immunological effects following proper mobilization and engraftment. Increasing numbers of studies report associations between HSCT outcomes and the expression or the manipulation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). This large family of cell surface receptors is involved in various human diseases. With ever-better knowledge of their crystal structures and signaling dynamics, GPCRs are already the targets for one third of the current therapeutic arsenal. The present paper assesses the current status of animal and human research on GPCRs in the context of selected HSCT outcomes via a systematized survey and analysis of the literature.

Vulvovaginal graft-versus-host disease: a review

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is associated with well-described gynecologic sequelae, including vulvovaginal graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Vulvovaginal GVHD is a common complication of allogeneic HCT, but has been under-reported in the literature. Guidelines have been published only recently to recommend common terminology, treatment, and surveillance. This review summarizes the presentation, management, and surveillance aspects of vulvovaginal GVHD. We recommend a standardized referral between women undergoing HCT and an experienced gynecologist capable of managing this disease and treating sexual side effects.

Benefits and challenges with diagnosing chronic and late acute GVHD in children using the NIH consensus criteria

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) and late acute graft-versus-host disease (L-aGVHD) are understudied complications of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children. The National Institutes of Health Consensus Criteria (NIH-CC) were designed to improve the diagnostic accuracy of cGVHD and to better classify graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) syndromes but have not been validated in patients <18 years of age. The objectives of this prospective multi-institution study were to determine: (1) whether the NIH-CC could be used to diagnose pediatric cGVHD and whether the criteria operationalize well in a multi-institution study; (2) the frequency of cGVHD and L-aGVHD in children using the NIH-CC; and (3) the clinical features and risk factors for cGVHD and L-aGVHD using the NIH-CC. Twenty-seven transplant centers enrolled 302 patients <18 years of age before conditioning and prospectively followed them for 1 year posttransplant for development of cGVHD. Centers justified their cGVHD diagnosis according to the NIH-CC using central review and a study adjudication committee. A total of 28.2% of reported cGVHD cases was reclassified, usually as L-aGVHD, following study committee review. Similar incidence of cGVHD and L-aGVHD was found (21% and 24.7%, respectively). The most common organs involved with diagnostic or distinctive manifestations of cGVHD in children include the mouth, skin, eyes, and lungs. Importantly, the 2014 NIH-CC for bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome perform poorly in children. Past acute GVHD and peripheral blood grafts are major risk factors for cGVHD and L-aGVHD, with recipients ≥12 years of age being at risk for cGVHD. Applying the NIH-CC in pediatrics is feasible and reliable; however, further refinement of the criteria specifically for children is needed.

Haploidentical vs haplo-cord transplant in adults under 60 years receiving fludarabine and melphalan conditioning

Haplo-identical transplant with posttransplant cyclophosphamide (haplo) and umbilical cord blood transplant supported by third-party CD34 cells (haplo-cord) are competing approaches to alternative donor transplant. We compared, in adults younger than age 60 years, the outcomes of 170 haplo at 1 institution with that of 137 haplo-cord at 2 other institutions. All received reduced intensity conditioning with fludarabine and melphalan ± total body irradiation. GVHD prophylaxis for haplo consisted of cyclophosphamide, tacrolimus, and mycophenolate, whereas haplo-cord received antithymocyte globulin, tacrolimus, and mycophenolate. Haplo transplant used mostly bone marrow, and peripheral blood stem cells were used in haplo-cord transplants. Haplo-cord were older and had more advanced disease. Haplo-cord hastened median time to neutrophil (11 vs 18 days, P = .001) and platelet recovery (22 vs 25 days, P = .03). At 4 years, overall survival (OS) was 50% for haplo-cord vs 49% for haplo. Progression-free survival (PFS) was 40% for haplo-cord vs 45% for haplo. In multivariate analysis, the disease risk index was significant for OS (hazard ratio, 1.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.48-2.17; P = .00) and PFS. Total body irradiation was associated with decreased recurrence and improved PFS, age >40 with increased nonrelapse mortality. The type of transplant had no effect on OS, PFS, relapse, or nonrelapse mortality. Cumulative incidence of grade 2-4 acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) by day 100 was 16% after haplo-cord vs 33% after haplo (P < .0001), but grade 3-4 GVHD was similar. Chronic GVHD at 1 year was 4% after haplo-cord vs 16% after haplo (P < .0001). Haplo or haplo-cord results in similar and encouraging outcomes. Haplo-cord is associated with more rapid neutrophil and platelet recovery and lower acute and chronic GVHD. Institutional review board authorization for this retrospective study was obtained at each institution. Some patients participated in trials registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01810588 and NCT01050946.

Combination of the Centre for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Registry Risk Score and the Global Severity Score Enhances Prognostic Risk Stratification in Patients Receiving Frontline Therapy for Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease

The Centre for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Registry (CIBMTR) score has been shown to be prognostic for overall survival (OS) and nonrelapse mortality (NRM) but has been shown in several single-center studies to classify a large proportion of patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) in the lower risk groups (RG1 to RG2), thereby limiting its prognostic utility for those patients. We evaluate the CIBMTR score, the Global Severity Score (GSS), and a novel risk score developed to improve on the limitations of the CIBMTR with respect to clinically relevant outcomes, including failure-free survival (FFS), in patients receiving frontline systemic treatment for cGVHD. We identified 277 patients between 2002 and 2012 at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, Canada, who developed cGVHD and were treated with at least 1 line of systemic therapy. cGVHD was graded by GSS, and patients were stratified by CIBMTR. We evaluated OS, NRM, relapse, and FFS within GSS grade groups, as well as CIBMTR RGs, and used a novel prognostic risk score. The median FFS duration was 164 days in the severe GSS group versus 238 days in the moderate-grade group and 304 days in mild-grade group (P= .001). The median FFS duration was 501 days in CIBMTR RG1 versus 291 days in RG2 and 166 days in RG3 to RG6 (P = .003). A novel risk score combining the GSS and CIBMTR scores was prognostic of OS, NRM, and FFS and was able to subdivide patients with cGVHD in CIBMTR RG1 to RG2 into distinct prognostic risk categories. The CIBMTR risk score and the GSS are well correlated with FFS, OS, and NRM following frontline systemic treatment for cGVHD. A new risk score model combining the CIBMTR risk score and the GSS could enhance risk stratification in the lower CIBMTR risk groups.

The benefit of exercise in patients who undergo allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is increasingly used in the treatment of hematologic cancers such as leukemias, lymphomas, and myeloma, and for other hematologic disorders such as primary immunodeficiency, aplastic anemia, and myelodysplasia. Allo-HSCT entails a conditioning regimen of frequent high-dose chemotherapy in combination with total body irradiation, followed by infusion of donor-harvested bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cells. As an aggressive and demanding medical therapy that profoundly impacts patient quality of life (QOL), allo-HSCT is associated with numerous treatment-related physical, psychological, and psychosocial side effects. The procedure can result in decreased respiratory and balance function, skeletal muscle strength, and exercise capacity. Thus, as physical exercise has been shown to positively effect physical and psychosocial function and QOL in allo-HSCT patients, it is a recommended intervention for improving essential functions and offsetting lost exercise capacity after the procedure. Furthermore, recent evidence has shown that physical exercise can influence survival rate and mortality in allo-HSCT patients. This review provides an overview of the current research on the effectiveness of physical exercise for allo-HSCT patients.

The gut microbiota and graft-versus-host disease

Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is a common complication of hematopoietic cell transplantation that negatively impacts quality of life in recipients and can be fatal. Animal experiments and human studies provide compelling evidence that the gut microbiota is associated with risk of GvHD, but the nature of this relationship remains unclear. If the gut microbiota is a driver of GvHD pathogenesis, then manipulation of the gut microbiota offers one promising avenue for preventing or treating this common condition, and antibiotic stewardship efforts in transplantation may help preserve the indigenous microbiota and modulate immune responses to benefit the host.

Humanistic burden of patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease - systematic literature review of health-related quality of life and functional status

INTRODUCTION

Chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a serious complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). This study aims to provide a systematic overview of evidence on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and functional capacity of HSCT patients with National Institutes of Health (NIH)-defined chronic GVHD. Areas covered: English-language articles published between 2007 and 2017 were searched using PubMed. Studies that used the 2005 or 2015 NIH consensus criteria for the diagnosis and staging of chronic GVHD and had a cohort size of at least 100 patients were included. Expert opinion: Disease severity and organ involvement were the most important predictors of HRQoL and functionality in chronic GVHD patients. Further, identified predictors of HRQoL were nutrition status and functional capacity, while functional status was also associated with disease symptoms, nutrition status, age, and survival. Data regarding the effect of symptom bother on HRQoL were limited. Our findings confirm that the management of chronic GVHD should focus on improving not only clinical outcomes but also on HRQoL and functional capacity. Therefore, to evaluate new treatment options it is recommended to include patient relevant endpoints into prospective studies. This study also highlights the importance of nonpharmacological aspects in the management of chronic GVHD.

How ibrutinib, a B-cell malignancy drug, became an FDA-approved second-line therapy for steroid-resistant chronic GVHD

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) is potentially curative for a number of hematologic conditions, both malignant and nonmalignant. However, its success can be limited by the development of acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Chronic GVHD (cGVHD) is the most common long-term complication following allo-SCT, and patients who develop this condition have significantly higher morbidity and mortality and significantly lower quality of life than patients who do not. Until recently, there were no US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved therapies for cGVHD treatment. In this review article, we describe how ibrutinib was identified as potential cGVHD therapy based on preclinical cGVHD models and clinical studies in B-cell malignancies and elucidation of its mechanisms of action in cGVHD. Results from a phase 2 clinical trial that was designed based on National Institutes of Health Criteria for the grading and staging of cGVHD culminated in the FDA-approval of ibrutinib as second line therapy of steroid-refractory or steroid-resistant cGVHD. Results of ibrutinib studies in phase 3 randomized studies, for cGVHD prophylaxis and as first -line testing along with steroids will be especially important in selecting the preferred indications for ibrutinib in patients at risk for or who have developed cGVHD.

B cells in chronic graft-versus-host disease

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHCT) is the definitive therapy for numerous otherwise incurable hematologic malignancies and non-malignant diseases. The genetic disparity between donor and recipient both underpins therapeutic effects and confers donor immune system-mediated damage in the recipient, called graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Chronic GVHD (cGVHD) is a major cause of late post-transplant morbidity and mortality. B cells have a substantiated role in cGVHD pathogenesis, as first demonstrated by clinical response to the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, rituximab. Initiation of CD20 blockade is met at times with limited therapeutic success that has been associated with altered peripheral B cell homeostasis and excess B Cell Activating Factor of the TNF family (BAFF). Increased BAFF to B cell ratios are associated with the presence of circulating, constitutively activated B cells in patients with cGVHD. These cGVHD patient B cells have increased survival capacity and signal through both BAFF-associated and B Cell Receptor (BCR) signaling pathways. Proximal BCR signaling molecules, Syk and BTK, appear to be hyper-activated in cGVHD B cells and can be targeted with small molecule inhibitors. Murine studies have confirmed roles for Syk and BTK in development of cGVHD. Emerging evidence has prompted investigation of several small molecule inhibitors in an attempt to restore B cell homeostasis and potentially target rare, pathologic B cell populations.

VaccHemInf project: protocol for a prospective cohort study of efficacy, safety and characterisation of immune functional response to vaccinations in haematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients

INTRODUCTION

Immune reconstitution after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a complex and dynamic process, varying from a state of nearly complete immunosuppression to an expected full immune recovery. Specific vaccination guidelines recommend reimmunisation after HSCT but data regarding vaccine efficacy in this unique population are scarce. New immune functional assays could enable prediction of vaccine response in the setting of HSCT.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A prospective, longitudinal single-centre cohort study of autologous and allogeneic HSCT recipients was designed in order to determine the vaccine response to five vaccine targets (pneumococcus, hepatitis B virus, Haemophilus Influenzae type b, tetanus and diphtheria) and to correlate it to immune function parameters. A workflow was set up to study serological response to vaccines and to describe the functional immune status of 100 HSCT recipients (50 autologous and 50 allogeneic) before and 3, 12 and 24 months after primary immunisation. At each time point, 'basic' immune status recording (serology, immunophenotyping of lymphocyte subsets by flow cytometry) will be assessed. The immune response will furthermore be evaluated before and 3 months after primary vaccination by two ex vivo immune functional assays assessing: (1) tumour necrosis factor alpha, interferon gamma production and host messenger RNA expression on whole-blood stimulation by lipopolysaccharide or Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin B and (2) T-lymphocyte proliferation in response to a standard mitogen (phytohaemagglutinin) or to selected recall antigens. Reference intervals will be determined from a cohort of 30 healthy volunteers. This translational study will provide data describing vaccine response, immune functionality of HSCT recipients over time and will allow mapping HSCT recipients with regard to their immune function.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval has been obtained from the institutional review board (no 69HCL17_0769). Results will be communicated at scientific meetings and submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03659773; Pre-results.

Onychoscopy of non-infectious nail abnormalities in patients after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Nail abnormalities after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation procedure (alloHSCT) are often reported. Usually, they are related to chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD). So far, only clinical manifestations of selected nail abnormalities have been described, without the presentation of dermoscopic images. In this article, we present morphologic and dermoscopic manifestations of potential non-infectious nail abnormalities in patients after alloHSCT procedure based on reviewed literature and our own experience with dermoscopic iconography. In majority of studies published till now, nail changes are not connected to severity of other cGvHD symptoms; however, e.g. the presence of pterygium inversum unguis may be an indicator of lung dysfunction. As nail changes may be an early sign of cGvHD and always present in association with other manifestations, routine clinical assessment should include nails examination. Knowledge of possible presentation of nail involvement after alloHSCT may be valuable for treating physician.

Cytokines in umbilical cord blood-derived cellular product: a mechanistic insight into bone repair

AIM

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) finds frequent applications in regenerative medicine. We evaluated the role of cytokines present in a uniquely processed, UCB-derived cellular allograft product (UCBp).

MATERIALS & METHODS

Luminex multiplex assay and standard cell biology methods were employed.

RESULTS

Study with allografts from 33 donors identified 44 quantifiable cytokines in the UCBp derived conditioned media (CM). The UCBp-CM elevated proliferation and migration rates of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and bone marrow stromal cells. Moreover, UCBp-CM induced secretion of VEGF-A and osteoprotegerin, which promoted angiogenesis of endothelial cells and positively influenced the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Cytokines in UCBp stimulate cellular processes important for bone regeneration, making UCBp an excellent candidate for potential applications in orthopedic procedures like bone non-union and spinal fusion.

Phase I/II Trial of a Combination of Anti-CD3/CD7 Immunotoxins for Steroid-Refractory Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease

Effective therapies for treating patients with steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host-disease (SR-aGVHD), particularly strategies that reduce the duration of immunosuppression following remission, are urgently needed. The investigated immunotoxin combination consists of a mixture of anti-CD3 and anti-CD7 antibodies separately conjugated to recombinant ricin A (CD3/CD7-IT), which induces in vivo depletion of T cells and natural killer (NK) cells and suppresses T cell receptor activation. We conducted a phase I/II trial to examine the safety and efficacy of CD3/CD7-IT in 20 patients with SR-aGVHD; 17 of these patients (85%) had severe SR-aGVHD, and all 20 patients had visceral organ involvement, including 18 (90%) with gastrointestinal (GI) involvement and 5 (25%) with liver involvement. A validated 2-biomarker algorithm classified the majority of patients (11 of 20) as high risk. On day 28 after the start of CD3/CD7-IT therapy, the overall response rate was 60% (12 of 20), with 10 patients (50%) achieving a complete response. The 6-month overall survival rate was 60% (12 of 20), including 64% (7 of 11) classified as high risk by biomarkers. The 1-week course of treatment with CD3/CD7-IT caused profound but transient depletion of T cells and NK cells, followed by rapid recovery of the immune system with a diverse TCR Vβ repertoire, and preservation of Epstein-Barr virus- and cytomegalovirus-specific T cell clones. Furthermore, our results indicate that CD3/CD7-IT appeared to be safe and well tolerated, with a relatively low prevalence of manageable and reversible adverse events, primarily worsening of hypoalbuminemia, microangiopathy, and thrombocytopenia. These encouraging results suggest that CD3/CD7-IT may improve patient outcomes in patients with SR-aGVHD.

Outcome of treosulfan-based reduced-toxicity conditioning regimens for HSCT in high-risk patients with primary immune deficiencies

INTRODUCTION

HSCT is the curative therapeutic option in PIDs. Due to the increase in survival rates, reduced-toxicity conditioning regimens with treosulfan have become another alternative. The purpose of this retrospective study was to analyze the outcome of treosulfan-based conditioning before HSCT for patients with PID.

METHOD

A total of 15 patients that received a treosulfan-based conditioning regimen for HSCT were recruited. Type of diagnosis, donor and stem cell source, pretransplant organ damage, infections, engraftment, chimerism, and transplant-related toxicities were analyzed.

RESULTS

At a median follow-up time of 32 months, the overall survival was 86.7%. Following HSCT, 14 of 15 patients had engraftment, with 86.7% of the cohort having full-donor chimerism. The most common toxicity was seen on the skin (53.3%). Acute GVHD and chronic GVHD were documented in 53% and 20% of the study population, respectively. Although the cohort consisted of patients with pretransplant liver damage, SOS manifestations were documented in 20%.

CONCLUSION

Treosulfan-based conditioning regimens before HSCT are associated with lower toxicity compared to myeloablative regimens, are safe, and have high engraftment rates with full-donor chimerism in patients having PID, regardless of the specified genetic diagnosis and donor type.

Reduced-Intensity Conditioning with Fludarabine, Melphalan, and Total Body Irradiation for Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: The Effect of Increasing Melphalan Dose on Underlying Disease and Toxicity

Disease relapse and toxicity are the shortcomings of reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT). We hypothesized that adding total body irradiation (TBI) to and decreasing melphalan (Mel) from a base RIC regimen of fludarabine (Flu) and Mel would increase cytoreduction and improve disease control while decreasing toxicity. We performed a phase II trial of Flu 160 mg/m², Mel 50 mg/m², and TBI 400 cGy (FluMelTBI-50, n = 61), followed by a second phase II trial of Flu 160 mg/m², Mel 75 mg/m², and TBI 400cGy (FluMelTBI-75, n = 94) as RIC for alloHCT. Outcomes were compared with a contemporaneous cohort of 162 patients who received Flu 125 mg/m² and Mel 140 mg/m². Eligibility criteria were equivalent for all 3 regimens. All patients were ineligible for myeloablative/intensive conditioning. The median (range) follow-up for all patients was 51 (15 to 103) months. Day 100 donor lymphoid chimerism and transplant-related mortality, neutrophil and platelet engraftment, acute and chronic graft versus host disease incidence, overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS) were equivalent between FluMel, FluMelTBI-50, and FluMelTBI-75. Stomatitis wasdecreased for FluMelTBI versus FluMel (P < .01). PFS for patients not in complete remission on alloHCT was improved for FluMelTBI-75 versus FluMel (P = .03). On multivariate analysis, OS (P = .05) and PFS (P = .05) were significantly improved for FluMelTBI-75 versus FluMel. FluMelTBI-75 is better tolerated than FluMel, with improved survival and disease control.

SYK inhibitor entospletinib prevents ocular and skin GVHD in mice

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a major complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT). The tyrosine kinase SYK contributes to both acute and chronic GVHD development, making it an attractive target for GVHD prevention. Entospletinib (ENTO) is a second-generation highly selective SYK inhibitor with a high safety profile. Potential utility of ENTO as GVHD prophylaxis in patients was examined using a preclinical mouse model of eye and skin GVHD and ENTO-compounded chow. We found that early SYK inhibition improved blood immune cell reconstitution in GVHD mice and prolonged survival, with 60% of mice surviving to day +120 compared with 10% of mice treated with placebo. Compared with mice receiving placebo, mice receiving ENTO had dramatic improvements in clinical eye scores, alopecia scores, and skin scores. Infiltrating SYK+ cells expressing B220 or F4/80, resembling SYK+ cells found in lichenoid skin lesions of chronic GVHD patients, were abundant in the skin of placebo mice but were rare in ENTO-treated mice. Thus, ENTO given early after HCT safely prevented GVHD.

Impact of Psychological Distress on Quality of Life, Functional Status, and Survival in Patients with Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease

Data on psychological distress and its association with clinical outcomes in patients with chronic graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) are lacking. We used data of patients with chronic GVHD (N = 482) from the Chronic GVHD Consortium, a prospective observational multicenter cohort. We examined the relationship between self-reported depression or anxiety symptoms (measured by the Lee Symptom Scale) and patients' quality of life (QOL; measured by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General [FACT-G] and the Physical Component Scale [PCS] of the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey), physical functioning (measured by the Human Activity Profile), functional status (measured by the 2-minute walk test), and overall survival (OS). Overall, 19.3% of patients (93/481) reported being moderately to extremely bothered by depression, and 22.8% (110/482) reported being moderately to extremely bothered by anxiety, with 14.1% (68/482) of those reporting being bothered by both. In multivariable models adjusted for clinical covariates, patients with self-reported depression had worse QOL (FACT-G: β = -23.09, P < .001; PCS: β = -4.94, P < .001), physical functioning (β = -8.31, P < .001), functional status (β = -37.21, P = .025), and lower OS (hazard ratio, 1.62; P = .020) compared with those with no depression symptoms. Patients who reported anxiety also had lower QOL (FACT-G: β = -19.47, P < .001; PCS: β = -3.91, P < .001), physical functioning (β = -6.69, P < .001), and functional status (β = -32.42, P = .036) but no difference in OS. Patients with chronic GVHD who report depression or anxiety symptoms have significantly compromised QOL and physical functioning. Self-reported depression is associated with lower OS. Patients with chronic GVHD and self-reported depression or anxiety represent a highly vulnerable population at risk for poor clinical outcomes and substantial morbidity from their illness.

A phase II/III randomized, multicenter trial of prednisone/sirolimus versus prednisone/ sirolimus/calcineurin inhibitor for the treatment of chronic graft-versus-host disease: BMT CTN 0801

Initial therapy of chronic graft-versus-host disease is prednisone ± a calcineurin-inhibitor, but most patients respond inadequately. In a randomized, adaptive, phase II/III, multicenter trial we studied whether prednisone/sirolimus or prednisone/sirolimus/photopheresis was more effective than prednisone/sirolimus/calcineurin-inhibitor for treating chronic graft-versus-host disease in treatment-naïve or early inadequate responders. Primary endpoints of this study were proportions of subjects alive without relapse or secondary therapy with 6-month complete or partial response in phase II, or with 2-year complete response in phase III. The prednisone/sirolimus/photopheresis arm closed prematurely because of slow accrual and the remaining two-drug versus three-drug study ended in phase II due to statistical futility with 138 evaluable subjects. The two-drug and three-drug arms did not differ in rates of 6-month complete or partial response (48.6% versus 50.0%, P=0.87), or 2-year complete response (14.7% versus 15.5%, P=0.90). Serum creatinine values >1.5 times baseline were less frequent in the calcineurin-inhibitor-free arm at 2 months (1.5% versus 11.7%, P=0.025) and 6 months (7.8% versus 24.0%, P=0.016). Higher adjusted Short Form-36 Physical Component Summary and Physical Functioning scores were seen in the two-drug arm at both 2 months (P=0.02 and P=0.04, respectively) and 6 months (P=0.007 and P=0.001, respectively). Failure-free survival and overall survival rates at 2 years were similar for patients in the the two-drug and three-drug arms (48.6% versus 46.2%, P=0.78; 81.5% versus 74%, P=0.28). Based on similar long-term outcomes, prednisone/sirolimus is a therapeutic alternative to prednisone/sirolimus/calcineurin-inhibitor for chronic graft-versus-host disease, being easier to administer and better tolerated. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT01106833.

Inducible T-Cell Co-Stimulator Impacts Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease by Regulating Both Pathogenic and Regulatory T Cells

The incidence of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is on the rise and still the major cause of morbidity and mortality among patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT). Both donor T and B cells contribute to the pathogenesis of cGVHD. Inducible T-cell co-stimulator (ICOS), a potent co-stimulatory receptor, plays a key role in T-cell activation and differentiation. Yet, how ICOS regulates the development of cGVHD is not well understood. Here, we investigated the role of ICOS in cGVHD pathogenesis using mice with germline or regulatory T cell (Treg)-specific ICOS deficiency. The recipients of ICOS^−/− donor grafts had reduced cGVHD compared with wild-type controls. In recipients of ICOS^−/− donor grafts, we observed significant reductions in donor T follicular helper (Tfh), Th17, germinal center B-cell, and plasma cell differentiation, coupled with lower antibody production. Interestingly, Tregs, including follicular regulatory T (Tfr) cells, were also impaired in the absence of ICOS. Using ICOS conditional knockout specific for Foxp3⁺ cells, we found that ICOS was indispensable for optimal survival and homeostasis of induced Tregs during cGVHD. Furthermore, administration of anti-ICOS alleviated cGVHD severity via suppressing T effector cells without affecting Treg generation. Taken together, ICOS promotes T- and B-cell activation and differentiation, which can promote cGVHD development; however, ICOS is critical for the survival and homeostasis of iTregs, which can suppress cGVHD. Hence, ICOS balances the development of cGVHD and could offer a potential target after allo-HCT in the clinic.

Patient-reported outcomes and health status associated with chronic graft-versus-host disease

Chronic graft-versus-host disease occurs in 20-50% of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant survivors. We surveyed patients about their quality of life, symptoms, health status, comorbid conditions and medications. Instruments included the Short-Form-36 (SF-36), the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Global and PROMIS-29 scales and the Lee Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease Symptom Scale. Functional status was measured by self-reported Karnofsky performance status and work status. Of 3027 surveys sent to recipients surviving one or more years after transplantation, 1377 (45%) were returned. Among these, patients reported that their chronic graft-versus-host disease was mild (n=257, 18.7%), moderate (n=110, 8.0%) or severe (n=25, 1.8%). Another 377 (27.4%) had never had chronic graft-versus-host disease and 280 (20.3%) had had chronic graft-versus-host disease but it had resolved. We excluded 328 (23.8%) patients who did not answer the questions about chronic graft-versus-host disease. Patients who reported moderate or severe chronic graft-versus-host disease reported worse quality of life, lower performance status, a higher symptom burden and were more likely to be taking prescription medications for pain, anxiety and depression compared to those with resolved chronic graft-versus-host disease. Self-reported measures were similar between patients with resolved chronic graft-versus-host disease and those who had never had it. Our data suggest that the PROMIS measures may be able to replace the SF-36 in the assessment of chronic graft-versus-host disease. Between 26.7-39.4% of people with active chronic graft-versus-host disease were unable to work due to health reasons, compared with 12.1% whose chronic graft-versus-host disease had resolved and 15.4% who had never had chronic graft-versus-host disease. Mouth, eye and nutritional symptoms persisted after resolution of chronic graft-versus-host disease. These results show that better prevention of and treatment for chronic graft-versus-host disease are needed to improve survivorship after allogeneic transplantation.

A pilot study of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the interleukin-6 receptor and their effects on pre- and post-transplant serum mediator level and outcome after allogeneic stem cell transplantation

Interleukin (IL)-6 is an important regulator of immunity and inflammation in many diseases. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IL-6 gene influence outcome after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (ASCT), but the possible importance of SNPs in the IL-6 receptor has not been examined. We therefore investigated whether SNPs in the IL-6R gene influenced biochemical characteristics and clinical outcomes after ASCT. We examined the IL-6 promoter variant rs1800975 and the IL-6R SNPs rs4453032, rs2228145, rs4129267, rs4845374, rs4329505, rs4845617, rs12083537, rs4845618, rs6698040 and rs4379670 in a 101 population-based cohort of allotransplant recipients and their family donors. Patients being homozygous for the major alleles of the IL-6R SNPs rs2228145 and rs4845618 showed high pretransplant CRP serum levels together with decreased sIL-6R levels; the decreased IL-6R levels persisted 6 months post-transplant. In contrast, patients being homozygous for the minor allele of the IL-6R SNP rs4379670 showed decreased pretransplant CRP levels. Furthermore, the IL-6R rs4845618 donor genotype showed an association with severe acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), whereas the donor genotype of the IL-6 SNP rs1800795 was associated with decreased survival 100 days post-transplant. Finally, the recipient genotype of the IL-6R SNP rs4329505 showed a strong association with 2-years non-relapse mortality, and this effect was also highly significant in multivariate analysis. IL-6 and IL-6R SNPs influence the clinical outcome after allogeneic stem cell transplantation.

Patients with Treatment-Requiring Chronic Graft versus Host Disease after Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation Have Altered Metabolic Profiles due to the Disease and Immunosuppressive Therapy: Potential Implication for Biomarkers

Chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) is a common long-term complication after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The objective of our study was to compare the metabolic profiles for allotransplant recipients and thereby identify metabolic characteristics of patients with treatment-requiring cGVHD. The study included 51 consecutive patients (29 men and 22 women; median age: 44 years, range: 15–66 years) transplanted with peripheral blood stem cells derived from human leukocyte antigen-matched family donors. All serum samples investigated by global metabolomic profiling were collected approximately 1 year posttransplant (median 358 days). Thirty-one of the 51 patients (61%) had cGVHD 1 year posttransplant. The affected organs were (number of patients) liver/bile duct (23), eyes (15), gastrointestinal tract (14), skin (13), mouth (10), lungs (3), and urogenital tract (1). We compared the metabolic profile for patients with and without cGVHD, and a Random Forrest Classification Analysis then resulted in 75% accuracy in differentiating the two groups. The 30 top-ranked metabolites from this comparison included increased levels of bile acids, several metabolites from the cytokine-responsive kynurenine pathway for tryptophan degradation, pro-inflammatory lipid metabolites, phenylalanine and tyrosine metabolites derived from the gut microbial flora, and metabolites reflecting increased oxidative stress. However, nine of these 30 top-ranked metabolites were probably altered due to cyclosporine or steroid treatment, and we therefore did a hierarchical clustering analysis including all 51 patients but only based on the other 21 cGVHD-specific metabolites. This analysis identified three patient subsets: one cluster included mainly patients without cGVHD and had generally low metabolite levels; another cluster included mainly patients with cGVHD (most patients with at least three affected organs) and high metabolite levels, and the last intermediate group including cGVHD patients with limited organ involvement. We conclude that allotransplant recipients with cGVHD have an altered metabolic profile caused both by the disease and its immunosuppressive treatment.

Success of Immunosuppressive Treatments in Patients with Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease

Moderate to severe chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is treated with potent immunosuppressive therapy (IST) to modulate the allo-immune response, control symptoms, and prevent further organ damage. We sought to understand the types of treatments used in clinical practice and the likelihood of successful treatment associated with each. A chart review was performed for 250 adult patients at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center enrolled in a prospective observational study. After a median follow-up of 5.6 years for survivors, approximately one-third were still on IST (of whom half were on fourth or greater line of therapy), one-third were alive and off IST, and one-third had relapsed or died. Approximately half of survivors stopped all IST at least once, although half of these restarted IST after a median of 3.4 months (interquartile range, 2.3 to 8.0) off therapy. Successful discontinuation of IST for at least 9 months was associated with myeloablative conditioning (P = .04), more years since transplant (P = .009), and lack of oral (P < .001) and skin (P = .049) involvement compared with those who had to restart IST. We conclude that patients with chronic GVHD usually receive multiple lines and years of IST, with only a third off IST, alive, and free of malignancy at 5 years after chronic GVHD diagnosis. Patients stopping IST should be cautioned to self-monitor and continue close medical follow-up, especially for 3 to 6 months after stopping IST.

Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Signaling and Its Pharmacological Modulation in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Allogeneic haemopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is increasingly used to treat haematological malignant diseases via the graft-versus-leukaemia (GvL) or graft-versus-tumour effects. Although improvements in infectious disease prophylaxis, immunosuppressive treatments, supportive care, and molecular based tissue typing have contributed to enhanced outcomes, acute graft-versus-host disease and other transplant related complications still contribute to high mortality and significantly limit the more widespread use of HSCT. Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a zwitterionic lysophospholipid that has been implicated as a crucial signaling regulator in many physiological and pathophysiological processes including multiple cell types such as macrophages, dendritic cells, T cells, T regulatory cells and endothelial cells. Recent data suggested important roles for S1P signaling in engraftment, graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), GvL and other processes that occur during and after HSCT. Based on such data, pharmacological intervention via S1P modulation may have the potential to improve patient outcome by regulating GvHD and enhancing engraftment while permitting effective GvL.

A review of late complications of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantations

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is an effective and curative treatment of different malignant and non-malignant diseases. Early transplant-related mortality after allo-HSCT has decreased with reduced-intensity conditioning regimens and effective anti-infectious treatments, but late transplant-related mortality is still a problem. Physicians are now paying more attention to late complications that may worsen the quality of life of many transplant recipients. Chronic graft versus host disease (cGVHD) is one of the major causes of late transplant-related mortality after allo-HSCT. This review discusses recent advances that have been made in clinical evaluation and treatment of late transplant-related complications including cGVHD. The different sites of involvement are organs, especially the skin and eye, and the gastrointestinal, endocrinologic, metabolic, renal, cardiologic, pulmonary, connective tissue, and neurological systems. In addition, this review includes infections and secondary malignancies in post-transplant settings that worsen quality of life in long-term follow-ups.

An endpoint associated with clinical benefit after initial treatment of chronic graft-versus-host disease

No gold standard has been established as a primary endpoint in trials of initial treatment of chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and evidence showing the association of any proposed primary endpoint with clinical benefit has not been conclusively demonstrated. To address this gap, we analyzed outcomes in a cohort of 328 patients enrolled in a prospective, multicenter, observational study within 3 months after diagnosis of chronic GVHD. Complete and partial response, stable disease, and progressive disease were defined according to the 2014 National Institutes of Health Consensus Development Conference on Criteria for Clinical Trials in Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease. Success was defined as complete or partial response with no secondary systemic treatment or recurrent malignancy at 1 year after enrollment. Success was observed in fewer than 20% of the patients. The burden of disease manifestations at 1 year was lower for patients in this category than for those with stable or progressive disease. Systemic treatment ended earlier, and subsequent mortality was lower among patients with complete or partial response than among those with stable or progressive disease and those who had received secondary systemic treatment. We conclude that survival with a complete or partial response and no previous secondary systemic treatment or recurrent malignancy at 1 year after initial systemic therapy is associated with clinical benefit, a critical characteristic for consideration as a primary endpoint in a pivotal clinical trial. This prospective observational study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00637689.