Graft-Versus-Host Disease: an Update on Functional Implications and Rehabilitation Interventions.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-1-2023

Publication Title

Current oncology reports

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Despite advances in treatment, chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) remains a highly morbid complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Due to direct effects of the disease on specific body sites, and its treatment, patients lose function. This review summarizes the latest evidence surrounding how cGVHD affects function, and restorative interventions.

RECENT FINDINGS: Different body sites of cGVHD carry a higher risk of functional decline, including pulmonary and sclerotic/fascial. Support should be comprehensive and individualized, with precautions taken to avoid worsening fibrosis, offloading painful joints and fractures, and utilizing function-directed skilled therapies. Inpatient rehabilitation improves function in hospitalized people with cGVHD. For people with cGVHD, rehabilitation addresses different aspects of impaired function across the spectrum of disease. Given the dynamic nature of the disease process, routine assessment may be warranted. Rehabilitation may also improve deleterious effects of anti-cGVHD medication including glucocorticoids and tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Volume

25

Issue

3

First Page

145

Last Page

150

DOI

10.1007/s11912-023-01363-y

ISSN

1534-6269

PubMed ID

36680673

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