Kim NH, Hamadani M, Abedin S. New investigational drugs for steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease: a review of the literature.
Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2024;
33:791-799. [PMID:
38973782 PMCID:
PMC11305901 DOI:
10.1080/13543784.2024.2377322]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease (SR-aGVHD) remains a formidable obstacle in the field of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT), significantly contributing to patient morbidity and mortality. The current therapeutic landscape for SR-aGVHD is limited, often yielding suboptimal results, thereby emphasizing the urgent need for innovative and effective treatments.
AREAS COVERED
In light of the pivotal REACH2 trial, ruxolitinib phosphate, a Janus kinase inhibitor, has gained prominence as the standard treatment for SR-aGVHD. Nevertheless, a considerable number of patients either do not respond to or cannot tolerate this therapy. This review delves into emerging treatments for SR-aGVHD, including mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), CD3/CD7 blockade, neihulizumab, begelomab, tocilizumab, and vedolizumab. While some of these agents have shown encouraging results in early-phase trials, issues such as treatment-related toxicities and inconsistent responses in larger studies highlight the necessity for ongoing research.
EXPERT OPINION
Current trials exploring new agents and combination therapies offer hope for fulfilling the unmet clinical needs in SR-aGVHD, potentially leading to more effective and precise treatment strategies.
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