Non-invasive monitoring of minimal residual disease and Graft-versus-Host-Disease by circulating nucleic acids after allogeneic hematopoietic transplantation

Project start
Institution: Department of Internal Medicine I (Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation), University of Freiburg Medical Center
Applicant: Jesús Duque-Afonso, MD
EKFS funding line: First and Second Applications
Schematic description of the proposed approach for the early detection of transplant related complications
Schematic description of the proposed approach for the early detection of transplant related complications
(© Dr. Waterhouse and Dr. Duque-Afonso, Uniklinik Freiburg)

Although allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is an effective curative treatment for several neoplasic and non-neoplasic diseases, the procedure is not devoid of complications. Relapse of the underlying disease and Graft-versus-Host Disease (GvHD) are frequent complications after allo-HCT, they contribute to morbidity and mortality and are the main cause of treatment failure. 

In this project, we aim to establish a non-invasive monitoring, based on circulating nucleic acids, for early detection of relapse and/or GvHD in patients undergoing allo-HCT. We hypothesize that the combination of circulating cell-free nucleic acids analysis together with clinical parameters will result in prediction of relapse and/or GvHD development and will improve diagnostic accuracy. 

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