What is graft-versus-host disease?

Graft-versus-host disease is a serious problem that can happen after a donor (allogeneic) transplant. According to the National Cancer Institute, it can occur when white blood cells from your donor (the graft) see cells in your body (the host) as foreign and attack them. This problem can cause damage to your skin, liver, intestines, and many other organs.

Graft-versus-host disease can be acute, occurring within the first 3 months after transplant, or chronic, occurring 3 months after a transplant or later. It can be treated with steroids or other drugs that suppress your immune system.

There are a few ways the risk can be reduced: the closer the donor's stem cells match yours, the less likely it is; your doctor may give you drugs to suppress your immune system; and donated stem cells can be treated to remove the T cells that cause it. Your healthcare team can explain your risk and how it would be managed.