Spotlight on GvHD, a serious side effect of stem cell transplants

A serious side effect of a life-saving procedure is gaining a lot of attention at the international level, and LLSC is part of the awareness efforts. Graft vs. Host Disease (GvHD), a common side effect of allogeneic stem cell transplants, was discussed at a global event in Vancouver this month, the International cGVHD Symposium. (cGvHD is chronic GvHD).

Natasha Sani, Community Services Lead for British Columbia and Yukon, represented LLSC during the GVHD Alliance session. Other presenters there were GVHD Alliance members Meredith Cowden, Director of Patient Advocacy, Meredith A Cowden Foundation; Peggy Burkhard, Executive Director, National Bone Marrow Transplant Link; Lynne Spina, Director of Development, Bmt Infonet; and Helene Schoemans, University Hospitals Leuven.

Natasha Sani, LLSC, at the International cGVHD Symposium in VAncouver October 17 2024 speaking about the GVHD Alliance. — Natasha Sani, LLSC, speaks about the support LLSC offers Canadians impacted by a blood cancer, including GvHD as a side effect of a stem cell transplant. Four other members of the GVHD Alliance spoke as well.

Natasha talked about the resources on GVHD offered by LLSC, including Understanding GvHD factsheet, Treating GvHD factsheet, and a new episode on LLSC's podcast, The Blood Cancer Experience, combining lived experience and medical expertise about GvHD. Take a listen here!