Hematology AdvisorNovel Therapy May Reduce Risk of Acute GVHD After Allogeneic HSCT

Harnessing CD24Fc: A New Horizon in Acute GVHD Prevention Post-HSCT

In a significant advance in the field of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), a recent study published in Blood highlights the potential of CD24Fc, a novel humanized CD24 fusion protein, in preventing acute graft versus host disease (GVHD). Acute GVHD remains a formidable challenge post-transplantation, with severe cases leading to high mortality rates. This research not only provides hope for improving patient outcomes through effective prophylaxis but also underscores the critical role of CD24–Siglec-10 interactions in mitigating severe acute GVHD without compromising the anti-cancer efficacy of HSCT.

Key Points:

• Efficacy of CD24Fc: The study demonstrates that CD24Fc, a humanized CD24 fusion protein, may offer a safe and effective means of preventing acute GVHD in patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT.
• High Survival Rate: In the expansion cohort of the study, patients treated with CD24Fc showed a grade 3 to 4 acute GVHD survival rate of 96.2%, significantly higher than the 76.3% observed in matched controls.
• Phase 2a Clinical Trial: The research, based on a phase 2a clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02663622), involved patients with cancer receiving matched unrelated donor allogeneic HSCT, focusing on the safety and efficacy of CD24Fc.
• Reduction in Severe GVHD Risk: Prior experimental evidence, coupled with this trial, suggests that enhancing CD24–Siglec-10 interactions early post-HSCT can suppress severe acute GVHD.
• Safety Profile: No dose-limited toxicities were noted in the study, indicating that CD24Fc is safe for use in the patient population studied.
• Multi-Dose Versus Single-Dose Regimen: Analysis suggested that a multi-dose regimen of CD24Fc ensures sustained drug exposure without compromising safety outcomes.
• Significance for Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients: The most common primary diagnosis among participants was acute myeloid leukemia, highlighting the potential benefits of CD24Fc in this subgroup.

According to one study in 2007, acute GVHD affects about 35-50% of patients receiving allogeneic transplants. About 50% of patients with acute GVHD will eventually have manifestations of chronic GVHD.

More on Stem Cells