MSK’s multidisciplinary GVHD clinic evaluates and treats adults and children who have undergone a stem cell or bone marrow transplant (BMT) using cells from a donor (an allogeneic transplant). The clinic is made up of doctors and nurses who are experts in diagnosing and treating the different forms of GVHD.

It’s important that graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is detected and treated right away. Successful treatment is more likely when GVHD is found earlier. If untreated, GVHD can cause severe, irreversible damage to the organs. Sometimes this can become very serious, requiring admission to the hospital, prolonged care, and a decreased quality of life.

Many different kinds of doctors may be needed to manage a person’s GVHD care, including experts in bone marrow transplantation, dermatology, dental care, rehabilitation medicine, physical therapy, nutrition, nursing, and social work. In our clinic, care is expedited as patients see these experts at the same time. They work together to provide combined recommendations about which treatments are needed.

How to Become a Patient 

Our clinic is open to people who have had a BMT at MSK or another hospital. If you develop GVHD after receiving a BMT at another hospital, our physicians will work with your original care team to come up with a treatment plan. Once we address your symptoms, you can continue seeing your local doctor for the remainder of your care.

Visits to our clinic may be conducted in person or via telemedicine. When you schedule an appointment, we will send you an informational packet about GVHD and our clinic. During an in-person visit, we perform a comprehensive exam to determine which parts of the body may be affected. Every patient also receives 3-D total-body photography, which uses multiple cameras to take pictures of their whole body at once. The process only takes about 20 minutes and helps your care team monitor rashes and lesions over time. Learn more about 3-D total-body photography.

A telemedicine visit uses technology to care for you without having to travel to our office. We conduct our evaluations using a computer, smartphone, or tablet. Before your telemedicine visit, we will include an at-home photography guide so that you can take pictures of your skin and other areas of your body that may be affected by GVHD. We may ask you to have bloodwork completed prior to your visit. This can be done at one of MSK’s regional sites or with your local doctor.

Patients who see us in person or via telemedicine may be eligible to participate in a virtual physical therapy program developed by MSK specialists, which can alleviate joint stiffness, muscle weakness, and limited range of motion caused by GVHD.

How Make an Appointment at MSK’s GVHD Clinic

If you are experiencing symptoms that you think could be GVHD, contact the office of one of our doctors to schedule an appointment.

• Doris Ponce (Adult BMT): 646-608-3739
• Andrew Harris (Pediatric BMT): 212-639-6715
• Alina Markova (Dermatology): 646-608-2342

For Referring Physicians

MSK’s GVHD experts often host conferences to share insights about our award-winning care model and learn from the international GVHD community. To express interest in these activities, please contact Doris Ponce, Andrew Harris, and Alina Markova.

To refer a patient for care at MSK, please contact the office of Doris Ponce (Adult BMT): 646-608-3739.