Oral chronic graft-versus-host disease: A short review

Abstract

Allogeneic Hematopoietic Steam Cell Transplantation (allo-HSCT) treat a wide range of malignancies, including: neoplastic and non-neoplastic hematologic disease and immune deficiency states, and autoimmune disease. Chronic Graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is a major late complication of allo-HSCT, representing a clinical syndrome characterized by complex allogeneic and autoimmune dysregulation of the immune system, leading cause of non-relapse-related morbility and mortality among long-term transplant survivors. The oral cavity is frequently involved, as the second most common site involved after skin due to HSCT.The spectrum of clinical manifestation and histopathological characteristics of oral cGVHD are similar to several autoimmune conditions including Sjögren syndrome, oral lichen planus and scleroderma.Ancillary therapy is used for symptomatic oral mucosal or erythematous or ulcerative disease in GVHD treatment by using routine systemic drugs, several topical treatments as corticosteroids, non-corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and phototherapy. For affected salivary glands, artificial saliva or saliva stimulators are commonly used to relief the xerostomia symptoms.