Treatment of Late-onset Acute Graft-versus-host Disease Following Double Lung Transplantation Using a JAK2 Inhibitor

Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication that can occur after solid organ transplantation, particularly in organs with abundant lymphoid tissue like the liver and intestines. While less common in lung transplants, the rising numbers of these procedures have brought more attention to aGVHD, usually appearing within the first 3-mo posttransplant. Given its relative rarity, a clear understanding of the pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnostic, and management strategies remain elusive. These knowledge gaps can lead to delays in diagnosis and the initiation of appropriate treatment leading to predictably inferior outcomes. Managing aGVHD following solid organ transplantation is challenging, and there is no standard approach. Current management involves high-dose steroids and other immunosuppressive drugs. However, these interventions are associated with serious complications, including potentially fatal infections, underscoring the urgent need for more research to refine both diagnostic methods and treatment approaches and ultimately improving patient outcomes. In this report, we aim to deepen our understanding of aGVHD following lung transplants and share our experience with a unique case of aGVHD occurring almost a year after lung transplantation that was successfully managed using ruxolitinib, describing a potential treatment approach modeled on the contemporary management of stem cell transplant associated aGVHD.