Taking on one of the deadliest bone marrow transplant side effects: Graft-versus-Host Disease
We are honored to create this much-needed project focused on a devastating side effect that many childhood cancer patients face. The study is being funded in loving memory of Jack Paul, whose determination continues to inspire us.
What is Graft-versus-Host Disease?
Graft-versus-Host Disease (GvHD) is a serious complication that can occur after a bone marrow or stem cell transplant. It occurs when the transplanted donor immune cells (the graft) attack the recipient’s body’s tissues (the host). The symptoms can be truly horrific for young cancer patients. And sadly, as in the case of the Paul family’s incredible young son Jack, can even prove fatal.
Jack’s Story
At 16 years old, Jack woke up with terrible pains in his hips. Thinking it was just growing pains, his parents gave him over-the-counter pain medications. It seemed to help as the pain subsided.
Two weeks later, the pain was back and this time they took Jack to the pediatrician, who sent them to Children’s Hospital Colorado for a blood test. That’s where their oncologist broke the news — Jack had leukemia. “Our world stopped,” said Daniel Paul, Jack’s Dad. “Jack’s response was a simple ‘That sucks!’”
Jack was immediately admitted to the hospital and began the long road fighting this horrible disease. For 5 1/2 years, Jack battled like a superstar and did everything that was asked of him. He endured multiple rounds of chemotherapy, CAR-T immunotherapy (twice), and ultimately a bone marrow transplant. He had every side effect the doctors warned about, yet he approached everything with his can-do attitude. He was determined to beat cancer.
But one complication – graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) – was impossible for the treatments available at the time to overcome. Jack passed away surrounded by his loving family on February 16, 2024.
About the Study
Dr. Michelle Schoettler, Dr. Muna Qayed, and Dr. Satheesh Chonat, pediatric oncologists at Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, are leading a multi-year study to investigate why GvHD becomes especially severe in some children – and why those who develop an additional related complication face even worse outcomes.
Their work focuses on a part of the immune system that, when overactive, can trigger dangerous inflammation and tissue injury. By studying this mechanism, the team hopes to identify early markers to predict which children are at risk – and develop new therapies to stop GvHD before it starts.
Want to learn more about the science behind this and other studies you’re helping to fund?