Imatinib for sclerodermatous graft-versus-host disease in lung transplantation

Abstract

Imatinib has been proposed as a treatment for sclerodermatous chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) due to its antifibrotic activity. Because imatinib has a potentially adverse effect on wound healing, the safety of its perioperative use in lung transplantation is unknown. Herein, we present a patient who underwent bilateral living-donor lobar lung transplantation for pulmonary complications after bone marrow transplantation, who had also received treatment with imatinib for sclerodermatous GVHD. Imatinib was discontinued 3 weeks before lung transplantation, but was resumed 1 week postoperatively for an exacerbation of sclerodermatous GVHD. Seven months after the postoperative the patient continues to do well without complications.