Veno-occlusive disease of the liver

The success of high-dose cytoreductive strategies depend not only on antitumor activity but also on the tolerability of treatment. Although advances in supportive care have significantly reduced mortality due to infection and hemorrhage, regimen-related toxicities remain problematic. Hepatic venoocclusive disease (VOD) is the most serious regimen-related toxicity after high-dose cytoreductive therapy. Risk factors for VOD are well established, but the biology of the syndrome remains poorly understood. Unfortunately, no pharmacologic approaches that clearly prevent or treat VOD have been identified. A better understanding of the pathogenesis of VOD will lead to more effective prevention and treatment strategies. (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.