Abstract
Graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) is a major complication associated with allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT). Antithymocyte globulin (ATG) is recommended for GVHD prophylaxis following allo-HCT, however, evidence on efficacy of ATG is conflicting. Accordingly, we undertook a systematic review. All phase III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ATG versus control for prevention of GVHD in patients undergoing allo-HCT were eligible. Medline and Cochrane databases were searched. Data on methodological quality, benefits and harms were extracted for each trial and pooled under a random effects model. Seven RCTs enrolling 733 patients met inclusion criteria. Pooled results showed no difference for overall survival with use of ATG (hazard ratio was 0.91; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 0.75–1.10; P=0.32). There was a significant benefit for prevention of grade III/IV acute GVHD (risk ratio (RR)=0.51; 95% CI, 0.27–0.94; P=0.03). There was no benefit associated with ATG use for prevention of either grade II (RR=0.79; 95% CI, 0.48–1.30; P=0.35) or grade I acute GVHD (RR=1.42; 95% CI, 0.75–2.69; P=0.28). Use of ATG was not associated with significant reduction in non-relapse mortality (RR=0.74; 95% CI, 0.53–1.03; P=0.08). Future trials with adequate sample size are required to provide more definitive answers.
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Acknowledgements
This study was performed with internal support from Center for Evidence Based Medicine at the University of South Florida, College of Medicine. No external support was received for the work in form of grants and/or equipment and drugs.
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Mohamad Mohty acted as a consultant and received honoraria from Genzyme and Fresenius whose products are discussed in this report. The other authors declare no conflict of interest.
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Kumar, A., Mhaskar, A., Reljic, T. et al. Antithymocyte globulin for acute-graft-versus-host-disease prophylaxis in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation: a systematic review. Leukemia 26, 582–588 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1038/leu.2011.349
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/leu.2011.349
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