Graft versus host disease (GVHD) is a complication that can occur after an allogeneic transplant, which is a type of stem cell or bone marrow transplant from another person. GVHD happens when the donor stem cells from the transplant attack healthy cells in the patient, causing the condition "graft-versus-host disease". There are two main categories of GVHD: acute and chronic, each affecting different organs and tissues and having different signs and symptoms. Patients may develop one type, both types, or neither type. Symptoms of acute GVHD usually occur within the first 100 days after the transplant, while chronic GVHD typically develops within one year of the transplant.

Symptoms of GVHD can vary depending on the type and severity of the disease, but some common symptoms include rash and/or itching, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, abdominal cramping, jaundice, dry mouth, mouth sores, gum disease, dry or gritty feeling in the eyes, vision changes, shortness of breath, dry, persistent cough, fatigue, muscle weakness, cramping or pain, decreased range of motion in joints, vaginal dryness, itchiness or pain with intercourse, and itchy penis or scrotum or pain with intercourse. GVHD can be life-threatening, and chronic GVHD is the most common cause of death in people receiving an allogeneic stem cell transplant, other than the disease itself.

The goals of treatment fo...