Effective graft-versus-leukaemia effect after allogeneic stem cell transplantation using reduced-intensity preparative regimens in Fanconi anaemia patients with myelodysplastic syndrome or acute myeloid leukaemia

Allogeneic transplantation is the only curative treatment for Fanconi anaemia (FA) patients who develop myeloid malignancies. Dose-intensive preparative regimens, to decrease disease recurrence, lead to unacceptable transplant-related toxicity in FA. We report the outcome of three FA patients with such malignancies who underwent transplantation with reduced-intensity preparative regimens. This approach was well tolerated, even as second transplantations, and resulted in complete leukaemic remissions. However, the graft-versus-leukaemia effect was associated with fatal graft-versus-host disease. Even after transplantation, myeloid malignancies remain associated with a poor outcome in FA. and this argues in favour of early intervention when suitable donors are available.