Cord Blood Cord Blood Transplantation 2

Question 1

What is acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) and when does it typically occur after cord blood transplant?

Accepted Answer

Donor T-cells attacking recipient tissues, occurring within 100 days of transplant

Answer

Acute GVHD occurs when donor T-cells recognize host tissues as foreign and mount an immune attack, typically occurring within 100 days of transplantation.

Question 2

What is a reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) regimen and why is it used?

Accepted Answer

A lower-intensity chemotherapy/radiation regimen used for older or medically frail patients

Answer

RIC regimens use lower doses of chemotherapy and/or radiation to reduce toxicity, making cord blood transplantation accessible to older patients or those with comorbidities who cannot tolerate full myeloablative conditioning.

Question 3

What is chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) and how does it differ from acute GVHD?

Accepted Answer

cGVHD occurs after 100 days and can mimic autoimmune diseases affecting multiple organs

Answer

Chronic GVHD develops after 100 days post-transplant and can resemble autoimmune disorders, affecting multiple organ systems including skin, eyes, mouth, lungs, and gut.

Question 4

Which immune cells are the primary mediators of graft-versus-host disease after cord blood transplantation?

Accepted Answer

Donor T-lymphocytes

Answer

Donor T-lymphocytes are the primary effector cells that recognize and attack host tissues, causing graft-versus-host disease.

Question 5

What is the role of calcineurin inhibitors like cyclosporine or tacrolimus in cord blood transplantation?

Accepted Answer

They are used as GVHD prophylaxis by suppressing donor T-cell activation

Answer

Calcineurin inhibitors suppress T-cell activation by blocking calcineurin-mediated signaling, and are the cornerstone of GVHD prophylaxis regimens after cord blood transplantation.

Cord Blood Practice Test

Cord Blood Practice Test

Cord Blood Cord Blood Transplantation 2