Graft-versus-host disease commonly affects the the gastrointestinal tract and /or liver in patients who have had an stem cell transplant using cells from a donor (allogeneic transplant). Treatment may require a combination of local therapies, systemic therapies, procedural interventions and/or various types of supportive care.

Emotional difficulties after a stem cell transplant are common for both the patient and caregiver. There are a variety of self-help techniques for dealing with emotional difficulties. Support groups, one-on-one peer support and therapists can be helpful in managing emotional challenges.

A panel of pediatric transplant experts answer patient questions about medical, emotional, social and learning issues children and young adults may face after transplant.

Insights and lessons learned from an inspiring survivor’s transplant journey.

Great strides have been made in bone marrow, stem cell and cord blood transplantation. An increasing number of patients with blood disorders are now able to enjoy a second chance at life, thanks the efforts of doctors and patients who pioneered this life-saving treatment. This video identifies Nancy McClain, who was transplanted in 1963, as the longest living bone marrow transplant survivor. Since then, we have learned that a six-year-old child named Nancy Lowry was successfully transplanted with bone marrow from her identical twin sister three years earlier in 1960. Nancy Lowry, who went on to be a public health and school nurse, is alive and well today.