What else do I need to worry about when treating graft-versus-host disease?

Abstract

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant survivors. Patients with acute and chronic GVHD often endure substantial symptom burden and quality of life (QOL) and functional impairments. Living with GVHD affects multiple domains of patient-reported QOL, physical functioning, and psychological well-being. Patients describe living with GVHD as a life-altering “full-time job” requiring unique knowledge, personal growth, and resilient coping strategies. Managing the supportive care needs of patients living with GVHD must include (1) monitoring of patient-reported QOL and symptom burden; (2) routine screening for psychological distress and implementing therapeutic strategies to treat depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress symptoms; (3) a systematic review of care needs by a multidisciplinary team experienced in managing transplant-related complications and organ-specific GVHD symptoms; and (4) ensuring optimal prevention and management of infection complications in this highly immunocompromised population. Improving the QOL in patients with GVHD requires a multidisciplinary approach with emphasis on aggressive symptom management, psychological coping, and promoting physical activity and rehabilitation in this population living with immense prognostic uncertainty and struggling to adapt to this difficult and unpredictable illness.