Pharmacotherapy in Pediatric Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2020:261:471-489. doi: 10.1007/164_2019_247.

Abstract

Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a curative treatment option for both malignant and nonmalignant diseases. Success of the procedure mainly depends on disease control and treatment-related complications. Pharmacotherapy plays a major role in HCT and significantly impacts the outcomes. Main drug use within HCT includes conditioning, GvHD prophylaxis, and prevention/treatment of infections.Increasing evidence suggests individualized dosing in (pediatric) HCT may improve outcome. Dose individualization may result in a better predictable drug treatment in terms of safety and efficacy, including timely immune reconstitution after HCT and optimal tumor or disease control, which may result in improved survival chances.

Keywords: Cellular therapies; Conditioning; Graft-versus-host disease; Hematopoietic cell transplantation; Individualized dosing; Relapse; Therapeutic drug monitoring.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Graft vs Host Disease*
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Humans
  • Transplantation Conditioning