CD20 monoclonal antibody (rituximab) for therapy of Epstein-Barr virus lymphoma after hemopoietic stem-cell transplantation

I Kuehnle, MH Huls, Z Liu… - Blood, The Journal …, 2000 - ashpublications.org
I Kuehnle, MH Huls, Z Liu, M Semmelmann, RA Krance, MK Brenner, CM Rooney
Blood, The Journal of the American Society of Hematology, 2000ashpublications.org
After bone marrow transplantation (BMT) using T-cell–depleted marrow from an unrelated
donor or HLA-mismatched related donor, the risk of developing lymphoproliferative disease
associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) ranges from 1% to 25%. We have shown that
administration of donor-derived EBV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) is effective
prophylaxis and treatment for this complication, and we routinely generate CTL for high-risk
patients. However, EBV lymphoma can occur in recipients of matched-sibling transplants for …
After bone marrow transplantation (BMT) using T-cell–depleted marrow from an unrelated donor or HLA-mismatched related donor, the risk of developing lymphoproliferative disease associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) ranges from 1% to 25%. We have shown that administration of donor-derived EBV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) is effective prophylaxis and treatment for this complication, and we routinely generate CTL for high-risk patients. However, EBV lymphoma can occur in recipients of matched-sibling transplants for whom CTL are unavailable or in patients for whom CTL administration is contraindicated. We report on 3 such patients, who were successfully and safely treated with rituximab, a CD20 monoclonal antibody. The patients remain disease free 7, 8, and 9 months, respectively, after therapy. We conclude that CD20 antibody may be a useful alternative treatment strategy in patients with EBV lymphoma after BMT.
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