Rationale: Acute graft host disease (GvHD) remains a barrier to successful hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) used for the treatment of cancers in some patients. GvHD can result from a lack of compatibility between the donor and recipient. Research suggests another primary cause of GvHD comes from cytokines, or a substance produced by cells of the immune system that affect the immune response in both positive and negative ways. Infliximab is an antibody that directly targets the cytokine associated with GvHD. This study is building upon previous research to assess infliximab’s ability to prevent GvHD after HCT.

Purpose: This study is evaluating the efficacy of infliximab in reducing the incidence of GvHD after HCT. The safety of this approach, along with changes to specific cytokines from this treatment, will also be measured.

Treatment: Patients in this study will receive infliximab through intravenous infusion. Infliximab will be administered in six doses, including one day before chemotherapy or radiotherapy, after the stem cell infusion, and then on days 7, 14, 28 and 42. Standard post-transplant treatments of cyclosporine (Neoral) and methotrexate (Methotrexate) will also be given through intravenous infusion. Cyclosporine will be given on day 1, and the subsequent schedule will be determined on an individual basis. Methotrexate will be administered on days 1, 3, 6, and 11. Several tests and exams will be given throughout the study to closely monitor patients.