The "Graft vs Leukemia Effect" refers to a phenomenon that occurs after a hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) in which the newly introduced donor cells recognize and attack cancerous cells within the recipient's body. This effect is primarily observed in patients who undergo HSCT as a treatment for leukemia or other blood malignancies.
During an HSCT, healthy stem cells from a donor are infused into the patient's bloodstream, where they eventually settle in the bone marrow and begin producing new blood cells. The transplanted cells not only reestablish the patient's immune system but also possess the ability to target and destroy cancer cells.
The graft vs leukemia (GVL) effect is believed to be mediated by immune cells present in the donor graft, such as T lymphocytes. These cells recognize specific markers expressed on leukemia cells, triggering an immune response against them. The GVL effect is thought to be crucial for preventing leukemia relapse after HSCT.
While the GVL effect can be highly beneficial in eliminating cancerous cells, it can also lead to complications, such as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). In GVHD, the transplanted immune cells also attack normal, healthy tissues in the recipient's body, causing various adverse effects.
Overall, the graft vs leukemia effect represents the desired outcome of an HSCT, where the transplanted donor cells exert an immunological attack against leukemia cells, leading to their destruction and potentially achieving a long-lasting remission or cure of the disease.
