Researchers at Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital (RBWH) are developing a more accurate way to diagnose gastrointestinal graft-versus-host disease (GI-GVHD), one of the most serious complications of stem cell transplantation - a ground-breaking treatment for blood cancers. 

Building on earlier research that identified unique genetic patterns linked to the disease, this project will analyse tissue at the protein level to refine those findings and identify highly accurate biological markers of GI-GVHD. These insights are a critical step towards developing a tissue-based diagnostic test that could give clinicians greater confidence in predicting and diagnosing the condition, enabling earlier intervention and more timely treatment. 

For patients undergoing stem cell transplantation to treat blood cancers, GI-GVHD is one of the most common, life-threatening, complications. 

The condition occurs when transplanted immune cells attack the patient's own digestive tract, causing severe inflammation and tissue damage. Despite intensive treatment, many patients experience serious infections, prolonged hospital stays and a high risk of mortality.  

Diagnosing GI-GVHD, however, remains a major challenge. Current laboratory techniques rely on examining tissue under a microscope, but the disease can affect the bowel in patchy and unpredictable ways, meaning biopsies do not always provide clear answers. This diagnostic uncertainty can delay treatment decisions or make it difficult to determine the most appropriate therapy. 

Previous RBWH research identified distinctive genetic signatures within affected gut tissue that can distinguish GI-GVHD from other conditions. This project takes the next step by confirming those findings at the protein level and combining multiple layers of biological data to develop more precise tissue-based biomarkers. 

The ultimate goal is to create a new generation of diagnostic tests that enable earlier, more accurate diagnosis and better-informed treatment decisions. As the use of stem cell transplantation and cancer immunotherapies continues to grow, these advances have the potential to improve survival, reduce complications and help more patients benefit from life-saving cancer treatments.