Vedolizumab therapy for pediatric steroid-refractory gastrointestinal
acute graft-versus-host disease
Abstract
Vedolizumab is an immunosuppressive drug that acts locally on the
gastrointestinal tract, is mainly used for the treatment of inflammatory
bowel disease, and has been reported to be effective against
gastrointestinal acute graft-versus-host disease (GI-aGVHD) in adults.
However, there is insufficient evidence for pediatric GI-aGVHD. We used
vedolizumab in three cases of GI-aGVHD aged 1.5-4.4 years. It was
significantly effective in two cases and all cases had no serious side
effects. Vedolizumab might be effective and safe for pediatric GI-aGVHD
refractory to other treatments. Future study awaits.