Update on Graft versus Host disease in paediatrics - TransplantChild Webinars

Speakers: Dr. Marta González, MD, PhD, Pediatric Oncohematology Department. Haematopoietic Transplant Unit. Niño Jesús University Children’s Hospital (Madrid, Spain). This webinar will focus on current strategies for the prevention and management of Graft-versus-Host Disease (GvHD) in pediatric allogeneic stem cell transplantation. It will cover advances in T-cell depletion techniques, emerging therapies for steroid-refractory GvHD, and the role of biomarkers and immunological monitoring. The session will highlight evolving approaches to reduce GvHD-related complications while preserving immune function and anti-leukemia effects in children. Learning outcomes: after attending the webinar participants will be able to: Knowledge: Understand the pathophysiology of acute and chronic GvHD, including age-specific considerations in pediatric patients. Review the latest evidence-based guidelines for GvHD prophylaxis and treatment. Identify key differences in GvHD presentation between pediatric and adult populations. Gain familiarity with emerging therapies such as ruxolitinib, belumosudil, mesenchymal stromal cells, FMT, and photopheresis. Explore the role of T-cell depletion strategies (ex vivo and in vivo) in GvHD prevention. Practical Skills: Apply risk stratification tools and biomarkers (e.g., ST2, REG3α) to guide early diagnosis and personalized treatment decisions. Select appropriate immunosuppressive regimens based on transplant type, donor source, and patient risk profile. Develop individualized management plans for steroid-refractory acute and chronic GvHD. Implement supportive care measures to prevent infections and minimize long-term complications in pediatric patients. Interpret clinical trial data and integrate novel therapeutic approaches into clinical practice. Professional Development: Enhance multidisciplinary collaboration across transplant teams, including hematologists, immunologists, nurses, and pharmacists. Improve communication with families regarding prognosis, treatment options, and long-term follow-up in children affected by GvHD. Stay current with international protocols, registries, and research networks (e.g., EBMT, PTCTC). Foster clinical research involvement and contribute to protocol development in pediatric transplant units.