GVHD
Medical abbreviation · Hematology and Oncology
| Stands for | Graft-versus-host disease |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
GVHD stands for Graft-versus-host disease, a hematology and oncology abbreviation.
Complication of allogeneic stem cell transplant in which donor immune cells attack the recipient's tissues. Acute GVHD typically affects the skin, liver and gut, while chronic GVHD resembles autoimmune disease, affecting skin, eyes, mouth, lungs, joints and other organs.
Example: Day 30 post-transplant: maculopapular rash on 40% of body and diarrhea 1.5 L/day: grade III acute GVHD.
Usage notes
Prevention uses immunosuppressants such as tacrolimus with methotrexate or post-transplant cyclophosphamide. Corticosteroids are first-line treatment, and ruxolitinib was approved for steroid-refractory acute (2019) and chronic (2021) GVHD, along with belumosudil and axatilimab for chronic disease. The same donor immune response produces a beneficial graft-versus-leukemia effect. Also written GvHD.
Related abbreviations
More hematology and oncology abbreviations
- FOLFIRI – Folinic acid (leucovorin), fluorouracil, irinotecan
- FOLFIRINOX – Folinic acid, fluorouracil, irinotecan, oxaliplatin
- FOLFOX – Folinic acid (leucovorin), fluorouracil, oxaliplatin
- FVL – Factor V Leiden
- G6PD – Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase
- GBM – Glioblastoma multiforme
- HbS – Hemoglobin S
- HCT – Hematopoietic cell transplantation
- HD – Hodgkin disease
- HER2 – Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2
- HIT – Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
- HL – Hodgkin lymphoma
See all 144 hematology and oncology abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.