Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GvHD) - Diagnosis & Treatment

Symptoms & Causes Diagnosis & Treatment

How is graft-versus-host disease diagnosed?

Diagnosis of GvHD involves:

Clinical assessment of symptoms
Biopsies of affected tissues, particularly skin, liver, or intestines
Blood tests to assess liver and kidney function and other indicators of organ damage

How is graft-versus-host disease treated?

Treatment for GvHD may include:

Corticosteroids: Often the first line of treatment, especially for acute GvHD
Immunosuppressive medications: To reduce the activity of the immune cells causing the disease
Targeted therapies: These include JAK2 inhibitors to treat specific symptoms or manifestations of the disease
Supportive care: Including nutritional support, management of symptoms, and prevention of secondary infections

Management of GvHD is complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach to address both the disease and its complications effectively. Early diagnosis and tailored treatment strategies are critical for improving outcomes and quality of life for affected individuals.

Symptoms & Causes

This page has been reviewed by our medical content reviewers.

Speak to a GP

From Spin Class to Survival: Two Friends’ Cancer Journey

From Spin Class to Survival: Two Friends’ Cancer Journey

Two Singaporean spin instructors and cancer survivors Rat and Marianne sit down to talk about their healing journeys through diagnosis and treatment at Mount Elizabeth Hospitals and Gleneagles Hospital, and life beyond cancer.

How Early Detection Saved Her Life: Joanna's Journey

How Early Detection Saved Her Life: Joanna's Journey

Singaporean singer-actress Joanna Dong, known for her soulful jazz vocals, faced an unexpected battle with breast cancer in July 2024. With her career - and her voice - on the line, she embarked on a whirlwind journey of personal resolve and medical intervention at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital.

Cancer Diets: The Dos and Don'ts for Optimal Health

Discover how a balanced diet supports cancer treatment and recovery. Learn which foods to include, what to avoid, and get dietary recommendations for optimal health.

Karen’s Journey Through Two Cancers

The Resilient Spirit: Karen’s Journey Through Two Cancers

Karen’s story is a remarkable journey of battling two types of cancer, marked by her resilience, the support she received from loved ones, and the dedicated medical professionals she encountered at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital.

Stem Cell Transplants for Multiple Myeloma

Stem Cell Transplants for Multiple Myeloma: What You Need to Know

Stem cell transplant offers hope for individuals battling multiple myeloma, a complex blood cancer. Understand its success rates, potential outcomes, and more, to make informed treatment decisions.

Meet Our People: Dr Lynette Ngo, Medical Oncologist

Dr Lynette Ngo, medical oncologist and medical director of the Mount Elizabeth Novena Centre for Genomic Health, shares about her work with cancer patients, and her thoughts on the role and importance of clinical genetic testing.

Need help?

For appointment bookings, please Whatsapp
+65 8198 7777

For clinic or corporate matters, please call
+65 6227 7777

Parkway Shenton is part of
IHH Healthcare, one of the world’s largest
integrated healthcare networks.

MyHealth360

Download the MyHealth360 app to access an array of medical services conveniently.

Google Play

App Store

Sign up for the latest health tips and articles!

Get trusted medical advice from our specialists, dietitians and physiotherapists directly in your inbox.