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Medical glossary

GVHD: graft-versus-host disease

GVHD is when donor immune cells attack the patient's tissues after an allogeneic transplant.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A doctor in gloves examining a child's arm
Figure 1.After a transplant, the doctor checks the skin

01Short answer

The acute form usually affects the skin (rash), liver (jaundice) and gut (diarrhoea) in the first months. The chronic form can start later, with dry eyes and mouth, skin tightening and lung problems. Medicines that suppress the immune system are given to prevent it. Mild GVHD can sometimes also show that donor cells are working against the leukaemia. Report every new sign to your team.

02Simple explanation

Donor cells attack.

Acute and chronic.

Prevention.

Report signs.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: GVHD is a disease in which donor cells attack the recipient's normal tissue.

The NCI Dictionary explains cancer terms in plain language; check the exact meaning for your situation with your doctor.

04What happens in the body?

Acute

Rash, diarrhoea and jaundice.

Organs
Figure 2.Organs — GVHD: graft-versus-host disease

Chronic

Dryness and changes in skin and lungs.

A calming veil
Figure 3.A calming veil — GVHD: graft-versus-host disease

Where you will see this word

In test results, discharge letters and conversations with your doctor. Write the word down and ask what it means.

Ask your doctor

The general meaning and the meaning of your own result can differ. The most important question is “What does this mean for me?”

05From an unfamiliar word to a clear answer: four steps

Write it down, look it up, prepare a question, ask.

Write it down — From a result or a conversation.1Write it downFrom a result or a conversation.
Look it up — Learn the plain meaning.2Look it upLearn the plain meaning.
Prepare a question — What does this mean for me?3Prepare a questionWhat does this mean for me?
Ask — Your doctor gives the personal explanation.4AskYour doctor gives the personal explanation.
UnderstandingResults feel less frightening.
ConversationA shared language with your doctor.
SafetyNot drawing conclusions alone.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
AcuteRash, diarrhoea and jaundice.
ChronicDryness and changes in skin and lungs.
Where you will see this wordIn test results, discharge letters and conversations with your doctor. Write the word down and ask what it means.
Ask your doctorThe general meaning and the meaning of your own result can differ. The most important question is “What does this mean for me?”

07Key terms

Allogeneic
From another person.
Immunosuppressant
A medicine that weakens the immune system.
Term
A word with a precise medical meaning.
Reference range
The range a laboratory considers normal.

08Key points

  • Learn.
  • Ask your doctor.
  • Write it down.
  • Write the word down.
  • Ask what it means.

09Frequently asked questions

Can GVHD happen after an autologous transplant?

No, not with your own cells.

Can it be treated?

Yes, with various medicines chosen by your doctor.

This word is in my results: should I worry?

The word itself does not mean a serious or mild condition; get the explanation from your doctor.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Can GVHD happen after an autologous transplant?

  2. Can it be treated?

  3. This word is in my results: should I worry?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: graft-versus-host disease
  2. National Cancer Institute. Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplants for Cancer
  3. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
  4. National Cancer Institute. Leukemia
  5. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: complete blood count
  6. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: cytokine
  7. National Cancer Institute. Using Trusted Resources
  8. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: cure
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: induction therapy
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: consolidation therapy
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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