[Methotrexate for treatment of graft versus host disease after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation]

Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi. 2005 Apr 27;85(16):1097-101.
[Article in Chinese]

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of low-dose methotrexate in patients with graft versus host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Allo-HSCT).

Methods: Thirty-one patients with minor or moderate grade acute GVHD (aGVHD), chronic GVHD (cGVHD) or GVHD post donor lymphocyte infusion (post-DLI GVHD) after Allo-HSCT received intravenously administrated methotrexate at a dose of 5 or 10mg every 5 to 7 days until achieving complete or partial responses, treatment failure or intolerable side effects.

Results: The overall response rate was 93.8% (15/16 patients) in patients with aGVHD, 75% (12/16 patients) in patients with cGVHD and 100% (2/2 in patients) with post-DLI GVHD. The response rate for GVHD involving organs was 100% in skin, 60% in gut, 71% in liver, 75% in mouth and 100% in eyes. Side effects were minor. During the therapy, the other immunosuppressive agents were reduced.

Conclusion: Short-term low-dose methotrexate is a tolerable and effective regimen for patients with minor or moderate grade aGVHD, cGVHD or post-DLI GVHD after Allo-HSCT.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Female
  • Graft vs Host Disease / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive / therapy
  • Leukemia, Myeloid / therapy*
  • Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / therapy
  • Male
  • Methotrexate / therapeutic use*
  • Middle Aged
  • Stem Cell Transplantation / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Methotrexate