Histiocytic disorders
Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a clonal myeloid disorder driven by abnormal MAPK signaling. Abnormal cells accumulate in tissues such as bone, skin, pituitary, lung or other organs; the disease ranges from a single lesion to high-risk multisystem illness.
Other names and abbreviations
LCH · Langerhans-cell histiocytosis · histiocytosis X · eosinophilic granuloma · Hand-Schuller-Christian disease · Letterer-Siwe disease · Histiocytosis X · Hand-Schüller-Christian disease · eosinophilic granuloma (historical phenotype names)
Where transplant fits
Allogeneic transplantation is reserved for selected refractory high-risk multisystem LCH. Most people with LCH do not need a stem cell donor. A registry donor or other appropriate graft may be considered only when specialist assessment supports that uncommon pathway.
Treatment depends on the exact diagnosis, disease stage, prior treatment and the person’s health. These categories are not estimates of donor demand.
Treatment at a glance
- Who it affects
- LCH can occur in children and adults; its pattern and treatment differ across ages and organ involvement.
- Other treatment options
- Treatment depends on the sites involved and whether high-risk organs are affected. Options include local treatment, systemic chemotherapy and BRAF- or MEK-directed therapy in appropriate cases. Endocrine and other organ damage may need continuing care even after active LCH is controlled.
- Cells used for transplantation
- Donated blood-forming cells for allogeneic transplantation. Marrow, peripheral blood or cord blood and donor type are selected for the patient and transplant approach.
Questions to bring to your care team
What is the exact diagnosis or subtype? What is the goal of each treatment option? If transplant is being considered, why does it fit this situation, which cells would be used and what are the alternatives?
Sources and further reading
- Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Treatment (PDQ), Health Professional Version
NCI · Accessed 2026-09-05 - WHO fifth-edition classification: Myeloid and Histiocytic/Dendritic Neoplasms
WHO classification authors / Leukemia · Accessed 2026-09-05 - Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplants for Cancer
NCI · Accessed 2026-09-05 - Donor and cord blood unit selection guidelines
NMDP / CIBMTR · Accessed 2026-09-05
Understanding can become action.
Some patients need a blood stem cell donor. Others receive different treatment. Wherever your interest began, you can help JBF reach more people who may be able to donate.
Explore the official registry serving where you live. It explains who can join, how registration works and what donation involves.
Find your official registryIf joining is not right for you, a gift to the Jada Bascom Foundation supports education, outreach and referrals to official registries.
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