Survival and gvhd disparities in UAE patients undergoing allo-HSCT abroad: A multicenter benchmark study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Until 2022, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) lacked in-country allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HSCT) services, forcing patients abroad for curative treatment while local hematologists managed pre- and post-transplant care. This fragmented model created unique challenges in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) monitoring and survival tracking. We present the first analysis of outcomes in this underserved population. Aims: To evaluate overall survival (OS) and GVHD rates in adults receiving allo-HSCT abroad with UAE-based follow-up, establishing benchmarks for emerging local transplant programs. Methods: Retrospective multicenter study of adults undergoing allo-HSCT outside the UAE (2009–2023) with follow-up at three tertiary centers (SSMC, SKMC, Tawam). Of 454 screened patients, we excluded pediatric cases (n=245), autologous HSCT (n=76; excluded due to distinct indications/outcomes), and rare allo-HSCT indications (n=33), focusing on the most common diagnoses: acute myeloid leukemia (AML, n=54), B/T-acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B/T-ALL, n=38), and sickle cell disease (SCD, n=8). Kaplan-Meier (KM) analysis estimated 1/3/5-year OS. Observed median survival was calculated for deceased patients. GVHD grading followed NIH consensus criteria. Log-rank tests compared subgroups (donor type). Results: Survival: AML 1/3/5-year OS: 96%/79.3%/55.5% (95% CI 48–63). KM-estimated median not reached; observed median in deceased patients: 20 months. Matched unrelated donor (MUD) recipients had inferior survival vs. matched related donor (MRD)/mismatched related donor (MMRD) (p=0.03). B-ALL: 1/3/5-year OS: 92%/76.4%/69.2% (95% CI 61–77). T-ALL (n=7): 1/3-year OS: 80%/50% (limited by small sample) SCD (n=8): 100% survival at all timepoints; no GVHD observed. GVHD: Any-grade GVHD: 68.5% (AML), 73.3% (B-ALL), 71.4% (T-ALL)—exceeding CIBMTR benchmarks (50–60%). Acute GVHD 35.2% (AML), 43.3% (B-ALL), 28.6% (T-ALL). Chronic GVHD 46.3% (AML), 40% (B-ALL), 57.1% (T-ALL). Conclusion: Despite high GVHD rates, survival outcomes support selective overseas referral for AML/B-ALL patients, particularly younger recipients. SCD results highlight the safety of HSCT in non-malignant disease. These findings underscore the need for local HSCT capacity to mitigate care fragmentation and establish a critical benchmark for UAE programs. Prospective studies should evaluate socioeconomic drivers of referral patterns and GVHD disparities.