Abstract
Graceptor®, a once-daily tacrolimus extended-release formulation, can be used after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT) in Japan. We retrospectively analyzed the safety and efficiency of conversion from Prograf® (tacrolimus twice-daily formulation) to Graceptor® in 13 patients presenting mild to moderate graft versus host disease (GVHD) after allo-SCT. Oral administration of Prograf® was converted to Graceptor at 62 to 5421 days after allo-SCT (median, 371 days). No complications associated with conversion were documented, and trough value to dose ratio of tacrolimus showed no significant difference between the 2 formulations. Renal function significantly improved after the conversion, even though the trough values were the same. Serum uric acid level decreased in accordance with renal function recovery. As for GVHD after the conversion, a new lesion developed in 1 case, but GVHD lesions improved in 12 cases. Recurrence was observed in 1 case. Our data show the safety and efficiency of conversion to Graceptor® after allo-SCT, particularly in patients with chronic renal failure due to tacrolimus administration.
