Treatment with sirolimus results in complete responses in patients with autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome

Br J Haematol. 2009 Apr;145(1):101-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2009.07595.x. Epub 2009 Feb 4.

Abstract

We hypothesized that sirolimus, an mTOR inhibitor, may be effective in patients with autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) and treated patients who were intolerant to or failed other therapies. Four patients were treated for autoimmune cytopenias; all had a rapid complete or near complete response. Two patients were treated for autoimmune arthritis and colitis, demonstrating marked improvement. Three patients had complete resolution of lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly and all patients had a reduction in double negative T cells, a population hallmark of the disease. Based on these significant responses, we recommend that sirolimus be considered as second-line therapy for patients with steroid-refractory disease.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune / diagnostic imaging
  • Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune / drug therapy*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • Radiography
  • Sirolimus / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Sirolimus