Indications and results of chemotherapy in children with posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease after liver transplantation

Transplantation. 2000 Mar 15;69(5):982-4. doi: 10.1097/00007890-200003150-00053.

Abstract

Among 39 posttransplant lymphoproliferative diseases (PTLD) in a cohort of 450 pediatric liver transplant recipients, 3 had a malignant lymphoma, unresponsive to arrest of immunosuppression and to gancyclovir, interferon, and anti-interleukin 6 antibodies. Lymphoma appeared 20, 46, and 96 months posttransplantation and 16, 43, and 90 months after primary Epstein-Barr virus infection. In one case, the patient had histological progression from plasmacytic hyperplasia PTLD, concomitant with symptomatic primary infection, to Burkitt-like lymphoma 43 months later. These three patients received five courses of chemotherapy, after a cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone regimen for Burkitt-like or LH 89 scheme for Hodgkin-like PTLDs. Chemotherapy was well tolerated, and all three were free of disease and without immunosuppression 19, 14, and 4 months after chemotherapy. In Burkitt-like or Hodgkin-like PTLDs, immunomodulatory or antiviral drugs were inefficient. Chemotherapy is indicated and can be safely and successfully used. Long-term arrest of immunosuppression seems feasible without graft rejection.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Burkitt Lymphoma / drug therapy
  • Burkitt Lymphoma / etiology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cyclophosphamide / administration & dosage
  • Doxorubicin / administration & dosage
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / etiology
  • Female
  • Hodgkin Disease / drug therapy
  • Hodgkin Disease / etiology
  • Humans
  • Liver Transplantation*
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / etiology*
  • Postoperative Complications*
  • Prednisone / adverse effects
  • Vincristine / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Vincristine
  • Doxorubicin
  • Cyclophosphamide
  • Prednisone