Resolution of psoriasis after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation for chronic myelogenous leukemia: late complications of therapy

Treatment of autoimmune disease with bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is u nder investigation. A few reports of patients undergoing allogeneic BMT for malignant conditions observed the resolution of psoriasis after BMT, with minimal late morbidity. We describe a patient with chronic myelogenous leuk emia (CML) whose psoriasis resolved completely after allogeneic BMT. Howeve r, the patient's course was complicated by extensive chronic graft-versus-h ost disease (GVHD), recurrent serious infections, poor performance status a nd quality of life, and severe disability. The patient died 887 days post t ransplant due to infectious complications. The potential benefits and risks of treatment of autoimmune diseases with allogeneic BMT are discussed.