Can acute GVHD completely resolve or be fully cured with treatment?
Yes, acute GVHD can resolve with treatment in many cases. Mild acute GVHD may resolve with corticosteroids alone. About half of people with acute GVHD respond well to first-line steroid treatment, with symptoms starting to improve within a few days.
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Can acute GVHD completely resolve or be fully cured with treatment?
Yes, acute GVHD can resolve with treatment in many cases. Mild acute GVHD may resolve with corticosteroids alone. About half of people with acute GVHD respond well to first-line steroid treatment, with symptoms starting to improve within a few days.
If you respond well to treatment, your steroid dose may be gradually decreased over several weeks after your symptoms stabilize. The outcome depends on the severity of your GVHD and how quickly you respond to treatment.
However, acute GVHD doesn't always completely resolve. Some people experience:
- Persistent GVHD (ongoing symptoms)
- Recurrent GVHD (goes away but returns later)
- Late-onset GVHD (appears after the typical 90-day window)
For those who don't respond to steroids (steroid-refractory GVHD), second-line treatments may be needed, which can extend treatment time. Early diagnosis and treatment may improve your outlook and quality of life.
Your specific outcome depends on your GVHD severity, organ involvement, and individual response to treatment. Talk with your healthcare team about your personal prognosis.
November 17