Genetic variations in the heparanase gene (HPSE) associate with increased risk of GVHD following allogeneic stem cell transplantation: effect of discrepancy between recipients and donors.

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is the most common cause of nonrelapse mortality and morbidity after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The well-documented involvement of heparanase in the process of inflammation and autoimmunity led us to investigate an association between HPSE gene single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the risk of GVHD. The present study indicates a highly significant correlation of HPSE gene SNPs rs4693608 and rs4364254 and their combination with the risk of developing acute GVHD.

Fludarabine and treosulfan: a novel modified myeloablative regimen for allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation with effective antileukemia activity in patients with acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes.

Allogeneic stem-cell transplantation (SCT) is potentially curative treatment for AML and MDS. New conditioning regimens are continuously explored trying to reduce toxicity while maintaining antileukemia effect. Treosulfan is an alkylating agent with in vitro cytotoxicity against leukemia as well as myeloablative and immunosuppressive properties when used in escalated doses.