Nilotinib and donor lymphocyte infusion in the treatment of Philadelphia-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) relapsing after allogeneic stem cell transplantation and resistant to imatinib

Leuk Res. 2009 Jan;33(1):174-7. doi: 10.1016/j.leukres.2008.03.031. Epub 2008 May 8.

Abstract

Prognosis of patients with Philadelphia-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) relapsing after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) is dismal. Immunotherapy with donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) and imatinib are rarely and/or transiently effective. Here we describe the case of a patient with imatinib-resistant post-transplant relapse of ALL, who received a combination of standard dose nilotinib and monthly DLI infusion. Therapy was well tolerated and the patient achieved and maintained a complete molecular remission. Our case provides a rationale for the combined use of a second line tyrosine kinase inhibitor and DLI in the treatment of relapsed Ph+ ALL.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Benzamides
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
  • Humans
  • Imatinib Mesylate
  • Lymphocyte Transfusion*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Philadelphia Chromosome*
  • Piperazines / therapeutic use*
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / drug therapy
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / genetics
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / surgery
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / therapy*
  • Pyrimidines / therapeutic use*
  • Recurrence
  • Stem Cell Transplantation*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Benzamides
  • Piperazines
  • Pyrimidines
  • Imatinib Mesylate
  • nilotinib