myGVHDteam

Is there a higher risk of severe GVHD with sibling donor transplants compared to other donor types?

Actually, sibling donor transplants generally carry a lower risk of GVHD compared to other donor types. The key factor is how closely the donor's tissue markers (HLA proteins) match yours.

Siblings have the best chance of Show Full Answer

Is there a higher risk of severe GVHD with sibling donor transplants compared to other donor types?

Actually, sibling donor transplants generally carry a lower risk of GVHD compared to other donor types. The key factor is how closely the donor's tissue markers (HLA proteins) match yours.

Siblings have the best chance of being a close match because HLA proteins are inherited from your parents. Full biological siblings have a 1 in 4 chance of being a perfect match. When there's a closer HLA match, the risk of GVHD decreases.

Transplants from unrelated donors carry a higher GVHD risk, even when they're a very close HLA match. This is likely due to subtle genetic differences that exist between unrelated people.

Even among matched sibling transplants, up to 50 percent of people may still develop acute GVHD, and between 40 to 50 percent may develop chronic GVHD. However, the risk is lower than with unrelated or mismatched donors.

Other factors beyond donor type also affect GVHD risk, including:
- Age of you or your donor
- Whether stem cells came from peripheral blood versus bone marrow
- Sex mismatch between donor and recipient
- Prior pregnancy history in female donors

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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