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Researchers Tackle GVHDResearchers studying graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) met in Bethesda MD June 6 to share information and recommendations for developing future clinical trials for the disease. BMT InfoNet provided suggestions on how best to include BMT survivors and others with first-hand knowledge of GVHD in the development and oversight of such clinical trials. The meeting, which was chaired by Dr. Steven Pavletic of the National Cancer Institute and Dr. Georgia Vogelsang of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, brought together prominent researchers to develop definitions and tools for conducting clinical trials, outline standards for the care of patients who have this disease, and guide future research. "We are laying the foundation for a new cycle of research in chronic GVHD," said Dr. Pavletic at the meeting. Although the exact number of patients who develop chronic GVHD is not known, some estimate the number to be around 3,000 per year. In most cases, the disease is mild or moderate, but some cases are life-threatening. Even the less severe cases of chronic GVHD can profoundly affect a patient's physical and emotional well-being and lifestyle. "Those who've been touched by GVHD have an important role to play in the development and oversight of new clinical trials," says Susan Stewart, Executive Director of BMT InfoNet. "They have unique insights about quality-of-life issues associated with the disease, the practicality of proposed treatments, and ethical issues associated with research. Theirs is an important voice in the development of future research to treat this disease." The documents developed by working groups that participated in this year-long study can be found online at www.palladianpartners.com/gvhd/docs.
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