What is known and objective: The target level and route of administration of cyclosporine A (CsA) differ between transplantation centres. It is unclear whether oral CsA is sufficient to maintain target level of CsA.
Case summary: We retrospectively analysed data from 48 adult patients, who underwent myeloablative hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Twenty-one patients (44%) tolerated CsA orally throughout the transplantation period without increased incidence of acute graft versus host disease(aGVHD). Low concentration of CsA in week 2 was associated with increased incidence of aGVHD.
What is new and conclusion: Oral administration of CsA is safe, less time-consuming and economically advantageous. Close monitoring of CsA concentration is important.
Keywords: cost-effectiveness; cyclosporine; intravenous infusions; oral administration; therapeutic drug monitoring.
© 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.