Novel approaches to the therapy of steroid-resistant acute graft-versus-host disease

Despite initial encouraging results, preliminary results showed no significant differences in response between the MP and MP plus infliximab groups. In the M.D. Anderson phase III experience, the incidence of infection and causative organisms were similar in both groups, although an increased risk of fungalinfections has been recently reported, and cautious use of this agent should probably include antifungalprophyl axis [100]. Despite encouraging response rates in the steroid-refractory setting, treatment of acute GVHD at an earlier stage with infliximab did not prove more effective than steroids alone. Once established, GVHD continues to be the main cause of death. © 2004 American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation.