Treatment of central nervous system B lymphoproliferative syndrome by local infusion of a B cell-specific monoclonal antibody

Transplantation. 1992 Aug;54(2):246-9. doi: 10.1097/00007890-199208000-00011.

Abstract

A 9-month-old infant developed Epstein-Barr virus-induced lymphoproliferative syndrome with mediastinal and central nervous system localizations, associated with mediastinal tuberculosis, 5 months after heart transplantation. As a combination of anti-B cell antibodies (CD21- and CD24-specific) and recombinant interferon alpha 2b, given intravenously, was not effective on the central nervous system disease, the anti-CD21 antibody was infused intrathecally via an Ommaya reservoir. High local concentrations of monoclonal antibodies were achieved, with no adverse effects. A dramatic clinical response was obtained, with clearance of abnormal cells from the cerebrospinal fluid and a clear reduction in the abnormalities on the brain images. The patient is well 7 months later. This observation indicates that treatment of B lymphoproliferative syndrome with central nervous system localization is feasible using a nontoxic, local B cell-specific approach.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte / immunology
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Heart Transplantation / immunology
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human
  • Humans
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Immunotherapy
  • Infant
  • Injections, Spinal
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / therapy*
  • Male
  • Receptors, Complement / immunology*
  • Receptors, Complement 3d
  • Tumor Virus Infections / therapy

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte
  • Receptors, Complement
  • Receptors, Complement 3d